Officer of Dragoons, Austria, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

"Officer of Dragoons, Austria" is a colorful lithograph from the "Military Series" of trade cards issued in 1888 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The card depicts a soldier of the Austrian army, dressed in a blue jacket, red trousers and black boots, standing at attention. The background is a bold red and gold with a repeated decorative pattern, suggesting the proud military heritage of Austria. The card is a small but vivid example of the art of advertising from the late 19th century, and is a rare example of trade card art devoted to the military. This card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, NY.