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

This is a black and white photograph of Lucy Emerson, an actress, from the "Actors and Actresses" series of collectible cards produced by Allen & Ginter between 1885 and 1891. These cards were included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes, a popular brand at the time. The photo is a close-up portrait of Emerson's face and shoulders, taken in profile. The simple composition and straightforward style are characteristic of the late 19th-century portraiture. The cards are considered ephemera, a term for everyday objects that provide insight into the past. "Lucy Emerson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes" is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.