Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small, circular portrait from the "Novelties" series is a prime example of 19th-century trade cards, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1889. The image, which features a young woman with a demure expression, exemplifies the aesthetic preferences of the era and is a fascinating glimpse into the use of art for commercial purposes. The artist, Kinney Brothers, employed a style typical of trade cards: realistic, yet simplified, with a focus on capturing a pleasant and engaging image for their target audience. These small cards, often used as a means of advertising, provide valuable insights into everyday life and the development of graphic design during this period.