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

This is a portrait of an actress, part of the Actors and Actresses series, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional tool for Duke cigarettes. This series of cigarette cards, issued in the late 19th century, became popular collectibles as the actors and actresses featured were contemporary stars. These cards were printed on thin card stock and depict the actors in informal poses, as in this example, where the actress is pictured with her hand resting on her head, creating a simple and visually appealing composition. This card is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.