Minnie Buroughs, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is a sepia-toned photograph of Minnie Burroughs from the *Actors and Actresses* series, a set of collectible cards issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co., the makers of Duke Cigarettes. The photograph, dated between 1890 and 1895, captures Burroughs seated in a chair, clad in a lacy blouse and skirt. It is a typical example of the *trade cards* genre of the era, using portraiture to promote a commercial product. The image is currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.