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

"West, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes" is a black and white photograph, likely a cabinet card, from the late 19th century. The image shows a woman, identified as “West”, in a theatrical pose, possibly an actress. The photograph, likely taken for promotional purposes, was produced by Allen & Ginter, a company known for its tobacco cards. This work, part of the “Actors and Actresses” series, exemplifies the popularity of trading cards, particularly those featuring celebrities of the time. This small, yet detailed, image captures the essence of a popular form of ephemera and offers a glimpse into the world of late 19th-century American entertainment.