[Actress posing with foot on stool], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photograph, "Actress posing with foot on stool", is part of the "Actors and Actresses" series of trade cards created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes between 1890 and 1895. The sepia-toned image features an actress in a theatrical pose, wearing a costume with a floral pattern and her foot resting on a stool. The card is a prime example of trade card advertising, a popular form of marketing in the late 19th century. The card was printed by the company, known for its cigarettes, and is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.