[Actress holding hand to heart], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is a photograph from the *Actors and Actresses* series of trade cards issued between 1890-1895 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes. The series featured images of popular stage performers of the time, and this card depicts an actress holding her hand to her heart. The image is characteristic of the style of late 19th-century portraiture, with a focus on capturing the sitter’s likeness and conveying their personality. The card was printed on thin cardboard and was likely distributed to consumers as a promotional giveaway. The image is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City.