Mlle. Sorel, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

"Mlle. Sorel," a black and white photograph from 1890 by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, is a prime example of trade cards. The image is of a woman in a stylish hat and veil, likely an actress, as part of the "Actresses" series issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The card is small in dimension, typical for trade cards of the time. The photograph is simple yet elegant, showcasing the fashion and beauty standards of the late 19th century. This piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an intriguing artifact of advertising history and offers insights into the social landscape of the era.