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

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the "Actresses" series, depicts the stage actress Annie Russell, who was a popular figure in the late 19th century. It was created in 1890 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes, a common practice at the time. The image portrays Russell with a wistful gaze, her hair framing her face, and showcases the popularity of trading cards as a form of advertising. The card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, is a snapshot of the cultural landscape of the era.