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

This black and white photograph, "Cora Ray," is one of a series of trading cards produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1890 to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The image features a posed portrait of the actress Cora Ray in a theatrical costume, likely from a stage production. The card exemplifies the popular use of actresses' images as marketing tools during the late 19th century, highlighting the emerging celebrity culture of the time. The card is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcasing its historical significance and the evolution of advertising practices.