Card Number 246, Lester, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card from the 1880s, featuring a portrait of actress Lester, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. The trade card depicts Lester in a theatrical costume, likely from a performance, with a cone-shaped hat and a floral-patterned skirt. The image is characteristic of the photographic style of the period, with a focus on capturing a realistic representation of the subject. These trade cards, common in the late 19th century, were used to promote brands and products through imagery and often featured popular personalities of the time.