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

"Major Sisters," from the Actresses series, is a sepia-toned photographic card issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890 to promote their Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card features a portrait of the Major Sisters, two popular actresses of the time, in a theatrical pose. The image captures the style of the late 19th century with its formal, posed setting and the women's elaborate attire. The card is a prime example of trade cards, a type of advertising that was popular in the 19th century. This card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is part of a series showcasing famous stage actresses as a form of visual marketing.