Portrait, from the Women's Portraits series (N198) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.

Art Historical Context

This charming *Portrait* from the Women's Portraits series (N), issued by Wm.. Kimball & Co. in 1889, exemplifies vibrant world of late-19th-century commercial ephemera. Produced as a small color lithograph—measuring just 3¼ × 2⅞ inches—these prints were likely distributed with Kimball's tobacco products, captivating collectors with their delicate depictions of women. William Wellstood, the skilled lithographer, collaborated with the company to create these pocket-sized treasures, part of a broader trend where everyday consumer goods doubled as artful souvenirs. Chromolithography, the medium here, was a breakthrough technique allowing mass-produced images in vivid, multi-layered colors, rivaling fine paintings at a fraction of the cost. This innovation democratized portraiture, turning anonymous or celebrated women into accessible icons during the Victorian era's fascination with femininity and beauty. As ephemera, these cards highlight how commerce intertwined with culture, offering glimpses into popular tastes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece comes from The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, a landmark gift that preserves thousands of such humble yet historically rich items. It invites us to appreciate the artistry in the ephemeral, bridging advertising and aesthetics.

About the Artist

William Wellstood|William S. Kimball & Company (American, born Scotland| ) · 1819 | –1900 |

American (born Scotland), Edinburgh 1819–1900 New York|