Matelot, from National Dances (N225, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

"Matelot" is a colorful chromolithograph from a series of cards called "National Dances" issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1889. The card depicts a young man, likely a sailor, in traditional clothing, with his arms crossed and wearing a red cap. It is a small piece, measuring only 2 3/4 by 1 1/2 inches, but it showcases the vibrant colors and detailed figures common in late 19th-century American chromolithography. The card is part of a collection of artwork that showcased the various dance styles prevalent at the time, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the era. The card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, reflects a historical period when tobacco companies used these trading cards to promote their products and entertain consumers.