Genevieve Rollo, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This 1890 trade card features Genevieve Rollo, an actress, as part of the "Actresses" series issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The sepia-toned photograph shows Rollo in a relaxed pose, seated in a wicker chair, her hand resting on her chin. The image is a testament to the popularity of trade cards during the late 19th century and the commercial success of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card is a small but important example of the use of trade cards as a form of advertisement, as well as a valuable piece of ephemera from the history of American theater. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.