Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series (N227) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889 - 1890

This is a trade card from the "Happy New Year" series (N227) produced by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company in 1889-1890. The card depicts a young boy in period clothing opening a door to reveal the new year, personified by an elaborately dressed king sitting upon a throne. The image uses bright colors and simple lines, and a playful, festive feel with a clear message. This trade card is a prime example of late 19th-century advertising and is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.