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

This is a black and white photograph of a woman, identified as Lecuyer, a performer at the Palais Royal in Paris, France. The photo was likely taken during a promotional shoot for the Virginia Brights brand of cigarettes, printed in the late 19th century on a small card, measuring 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 in. The card is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series of cards that were common in the late 19th century. The image depicts Lecuyer standing on a rock, looking out at the ocean. The image is a portrait format, capturing the performer in a posed pose against a backdrop of the sea. The photograph, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the entertainment industry of 19th century Paris.