Helen Hudson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

"Helen Hudson," a trade card from the *Actors and Actresses* series created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, features a bust-length portrait of the actress Helen Hudson. The monochrome photograph, likely a cabinet card, captures Hudson in a seated pose, gazing directly at the viewer. Her attire, a patterned blouse with a high collar and a decorative pin, reflects the fashion of the late 19th century. The card's text and imagery functioned as a form of advertisement, showcasing Hudson's likeness and associating it with the brand of cigarettes. This trade card is an example of *trade card art*, a genre popular in the late 19th century that combined artistic imagery with commercial messaging.