Cotillion, from World's Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Cotillion" is a colorful lithograph from the "World's Dudes" series created by Allen & Ginter in 1888 as a collectible trading card for their cigarette brand. This particular card depicts a man in a formal outfit with a monocle, holding his top hat, likely attending a cotillion, a formal ball popular in the late 19th century. The card, printed on a small sheet, is an example of chromolithography, a printing technique that allowed for vibrant colors and intricate detail. "Cotillion," now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents a fascinating glimpse into the social life of the Victorian era.