Circassia, from the Natives in Costume series (N16), Teofani Issue, for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1900

"Circassia" is a chromolithograph from the "Natives in Costume" series, created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. This small card, measuring just 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches, depicts a man wearing traditional Circassian attire, including a red and yellow patterned robe, a fur-trimmed hat, and a yellow cloak. This card, like many others in the series, exemplifies the trend of using collectible cards as a marketing strategy for tobacco companies during the late 19th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this fascinating artifact of social history and early printmaking techniques.