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

This is a black and white photograph from the "Actresses" series, commissioned by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890 to promote their "Sweet Caporal" cigarettes. The photograph features actress May Merrion dressed in a theatrical costume, holding a feathered hat and looking directly at the viewer. These small-scale portraits were printed on trade cards and given away with packs of cigarettes. This particular card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York City.