Background:

These colorful trade cards were distributed by Au Bon Marché, the well-known Parisian dry goods store.  The concept of the trade card originated with the tradesmen's cards of the 17th century.  The commercial application of chromolithography boosted the growth of trade cards.  The practice of giving away picture cards as a sales promotion was to boost repeat customers.  It is estimated that Au Bon Marché distributed over 400 series of these cards.