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

This carte de visite, part of the "Actresses" series, features Belle Martin, an actress of the late 19th century. The photograph was issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890 to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. This promotional card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Martin in a theatrical pose, emphasizing her flowing gown and dramatic gesture. The image, a quintessential example of 19th-century portraiture, offers a glimpse into the world of theater and commercial advertising of the era. The card is a testament to the influence of cigarette companies in popular culture during this time.