U.S.S. Baltimore, from the Naval Vessels of the World series (N226) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This 1889 lithograph by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company depicts the U.S.S. Baltimore, a protected cruiser built for the United States Navy. The Baltimore is shown sailing on the open sea with its sails unfurled and an American flag flying proudly in the background. The image was part of the "Naval Vessels of the World" series of collectible cards issued by Kinney Brothers, who used the cards to promote their brand of cigarettes. The small size of the card suggests it was intended for a wide audience and likely found its way into the hands of many Americans as a popular form of ephemera during the late 19th century. This illustration, now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, provides a glimpse into the visual culture and popular interests of that era.