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

This is a photograph of Belle Leslie, an actress, from the *Actresses* series of trading cards issued by Kinney Brothers in 1890 to promote Sweet Caporal cigarettes. The *Actresses* series featured photographs of popular stage actresses of the time, and this particular card depicts Belle Leslie in a theatrical costume, with a dramatic pose and a confident expression. This series of trading cards is a fascinating example of the marketing strategies employed by tobacco companies in the late 19th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this piece in its collection.