Card Number 177, Lillie Olcotte, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This 1880s lithograph, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, is a trade card promoting Cameo Cigarettes by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The card features a portrait of actress Lillie Olcott in a theatrical costume, seated on a rock with a contemplative expression. This is an example of a trade card, a popular advertising tool in the late 19th century. The card’s design is simple, using a sepia tone with subtle color washes for a vintage feel, typical of the era. The text below the image emphasizes the product’s name and a slogan praising its quality, showcasing the card’s function as a promotional tool. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the history of advertising and the popularity of tobacco products in the late 19th century.