Verona Jarbeau, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a cabinet card depicting Verona Jarbeau, a popular actress of the late 19th century, created as part of the "Actors and Actresses" series of collectible cards produced by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company, for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards, printed from 1885 to 1891, feature a bust-length portrait of Jarbeau in a simple, elegant dress. Her gaze is directed upward, suggesting the allure and mystique of her theatrical persona. The card is a fascinating historical artifact reflecting the popularity of tobacco cards and the cultural significance of the theatre in 19th-century America.