Lotta, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This carte-de-visite, part of the *Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7)*, was produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891 as a promotional item for Dixie Cigarettes. The photograph features the actress Lotta, known for her roles in light-hearted melodramas and musical comedies. The image captures her in a theatrical pose, suggesting a dramatic moment from one of her performances. The print's small size and monochrome palette are characteristic of the carte-de-visite format, a popular form of portraiture in the 19th century. Today, these cards are collected as historical artifacts and treasured for their connection to the history of theater and early photography.