Polish Mazurka, from National Dances (N225, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros.

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of 19th-century ephemera with *Polish Mazurka, National Dances (N, Type 1)*, a charming commercial color lithograph issued the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 9. Measuring just 2 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches, this petite print captures the graceful energy of the mazurka—a spirited Polish folk dance that had enchanted European ballrooms and American imaginations alike. Part of a popular series celebrating global dance traditions, it likely depicts elegant women in traditional attire mid-twirl, evoking the cultural exchanges of the Gilded Age. Chromolithography, the medium here, was a breakthrough in mass printing, allowing vibrant, multi-color images to be produced affordably for widespread distribution. Tucked into cigarette packs as promotional inserts, these cards turned smoking into a collector's pastime, sparking a craze among enthusiasts. Acquired through The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this piece highlights how everyday commerce preserved snapshots of dance, fashion, and national pride. Today, it reminds us of dance's power to bridge cultures, offering a window into late Victorian leisure and the artistry of advertising. A delightful gem for print lovers! (198 words)

About the Artist

Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company · 1869–2011

**Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company (1869–2011)** Founded around 1869 by Francis Sherwood Kinney in New York City, the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company quickly rose to prominence in the burgeoning American cigarette industry. Francis, a pioneering tobacco manufacturer, experimented with hand-rolled cigarettes using blends of Turkish and Virginia tobacco, scaling to mass production by employing Europ...