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

This 1890 photograph, "Wilson Barrett, from the Actresses series," is a collectible trade card issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card features a portrait of Wilson Barrett, an English actor known for his Shakespearean roles. The image is a simple, yet striking, portrait of Barrett in a formal pose, possibly taken during a theatrical performance. This card is part of a series featuring famous actresses and actors of the time, highlighting the popularity of theatre and the marketing strategies employed by tobacco companies in the late 19th century. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.