Card 860, May Ten Broeck, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This 19th-century trade card, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, features a portrait of May Ten Broeck, a popular American actress of the time. Produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, the card showcases Ten Broeck in a theatrical pose, standing on a rocky shore. This collectible, printed with the Virginia Brights logo, is a prime example of the advertisement and marketing techniques used during the late 19th century. The card is a testament to the popularity of actresses and the use of celebrity endorsements during this period. The card, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the world of entertainment and advertising of the time, providing a fascinating visual record of a bygone era.