Lieutenant, Light Artillery, United States Army, 1812, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 lithograph, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their "Military Series" for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, depicts a United States Army Light Artillery Lieutenant in full uniform. The figure stands against a detailed background of ornate repeating patterns, and his uniform is rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The artwork is a prime example of the use of trade cards in the late 19th century as a means of advertising, and its small size is indicative of the format's intended use for distribution with tobacco products. The image provides a glimpse into the visual culture and fashion of the period, and its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection testifies to its historical and artistic significance.