Miss Summerville, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This 1889 trade card from the Actresses series, produced by William S. Kimball & Company, depicts Miss Summerville, an actress, likely in costume. The card was intended to be a promotional item for William S. Kimball & Company's cigarettes. The image captures Miss Summerville holding a scimitar and standing near a pedestal adorned with greenery, creating a theatrical and engaging scene. The card is a prime example of 19th-century trade card artistry, combining portraiture with advertising. Trade cards, like this one, were popular promotional tools in the late 19th century, often featuring images of celebrities, scenes of daily life, or artistic designs to attract the attention of potential customers.