Eva Ward, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a trade card from the *Actors and Actresses* series produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes between 1885 and 1891. The card features a photograph of Eva Ward, a performer of the time, holding a tambourine in a theatrical pose. It exemplifies the use of collectible trading cards to promote consumer goods and showcase popular personalities in 19th-century America. The card is a snapshot of the history of advertising, visual culture and entertainment of this period. The card is currently part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.