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

"Bella" is a carte de visite, a type of small photograph popular in the 19th century. It features a ballerina in a performance pose, likely from the late 19th century. Created by Allen & Ginter, a prominent tobacco company, this card was part of a series promoting Virginia Brights cigarettes. The card's small size and simplistic photographic style are characteristic of the era. The image is a testament to the popular culture of the time, showcasing the rise of both photography and the burgeoning theater scene.