Miss Benn, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

"Miss Benn," a collectible cigarette card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes between 1890 and 1895. The sepia-toned photograph depicts Miss Benn, an unidentified stage actress, in a formal pose holding a fan. This card exemplifies the popular Victorian practice of using collectible cards to advertise products and promote brand recognition. The image showcases a typical pose for portraiture of the era, which sought to capture the subject's elegance and poise.