Card Number 203, Anna Parole, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes by W. Duke, Sons & Co.

Card Number 203, Anna Parole, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

drawing, print

portrait

pencil drawn

drawing

aged paper

toned paper

photo restoration

print

old engraving style

charcoal drawing

old-timey

19th century

men

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"Card Number 203, Anna Parole," is a trade card from the "Actors and Actresses" series (N145-5) issued in the 1880s by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes. The card features a sepia-toned photograph of actress Anna Parole holding a parasol, her clothing and pose suggesting a theatrical performance. These collectible trade cards, measuring 2 11/16 × 1 3/8 inches, were a popular marketing tactic in the late 19th century, using the appeal of popular culture to promote products. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this piece of ephemera, illustrating the fascinating intersection of art, advertising, and social history.