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

This carte de visite, a popular photographic format of the 19th century, depicts actress Josie Hall and was created by Allen & Ginter, a company known for producing tobacco cards featuring celebrities. The image is part of the “Actors and Actresses” series, which was created as a promotional tool for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The photograph features Hall in a theatrical pose, sitting with her legs crossed and her hand resting on a stone base adorned with cherubic figures. Hall's fashionable attire, including a hat and a flowing dress, reflects the trends of the era. This small, intimate portrait format was intended for personal collection, making it a fascinating snapshot of Victorian-era entertainment and advertising.