From the series "Sports Girls" (C190), issued by the American Cigarette Company, Ltd., Montreal, to promote Gloria Cigarettes 1885 - 1895

This "Sports Girl" cigarette card, created between 1885 and 1895 by the American Cigarette Company, depicts a woman in a revealing costume, likely an athletic or theatrical performer. The card is part of a series promoting Gloria Cigarettes, demonstrating the prevalent use of collectible cards for advertising in the late 19th century. The card's small size, measuring 2 5/8 x 1 7/16 inches, highlights its intended purpose as a promotional item. The image itself showcases the artistic style of the era, with bold colors and a somewhat stylized portrayal of the woman, and exemplifies the marketing strategies of the period. This collectible card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century.