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

This 1890 photograph of actress Lillian Russell is part of the "Actresses" series of trading cards issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The black and white image depicts Russell in a theatrical pose, likely from a stage production, showcasing the popular actress of the late 19th century. The image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a prime example of the use of celebrity images for product promotion during the era. These trading cards, known as "cigarette cards," were a popular form of advertising in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.