Card Number 743, Miss Bella Biltar, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the late 19th century that features a portrait of actress Bella Biltar. It was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Cross Cut Cigarettes. The card is a part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, which featured portraits of popular stage performers of the time. This type of card was a common form of advertising during this era, and it exemplifies the use of celebrity endorsement to promote products. The image, printed in black and white, showcases Biltar in a theatrical pose, adding a sense of drama and intrigue to the advertisement. The card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the history of advertising and the world of 19th-century theater.