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

This is a sepia-toned photograph of Maud Major, an American actress, from the “Actresses” series of trading cards created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890. The card depicts Major in a performance costume, likely from a stage production. Trading cards, which were included in cigarette packages, became increasingly popular in the late 19th century. The cards were collected by many as a form of entertainment and social commentary and were often used to promote the sale of products, including tobacco, like in this case. These cards were considered a precursor to the modern trading cards and were often printed in a variety of subjects ranging from historical figures to popular culture icons, and were an important influence in the development of the collectible card industry.