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

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the Actresses series, features Lansing Rowan, an American actress who was known for her work in the late 19th century. The image was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890 and is considered a prime example of trade cards, often used to promote their Sweet Caporal Cigarettes brand. It's a simple portrait, depicting Rowan in a thoughtful pose, looking downwards, with a soft focus and subtle lighting. The card exemplifies the popular trend of using celebrity images to advertise products during this period. This piece is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.