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

This is a carte de visite, a small photograph, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Duke Cigarettes. The photograph depicts a seated actress, likely popular during the late 19th century. The actress is posed in a relaxed manner, wearing a fashionable dress and a wide-brimmed hat. The use of a carte de visite as a promotional tool was popular in the late 19th century, and this piece reflects the marketing tactics of the time. The card measures 2 11/16 × 1 3/8 inches and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.