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

This is a promotional card of Miss Norton, from the Actresses series, printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The sepia tone flattens the image, emphasizing form over depth. Norton’s theatrical pose, with arms outstretched, is framed by a sweeping cloak and a backdrop of palm fronds. The diagonal line of the scimitar bisects her figure, drawing our eye to the ornate detailing of her costume. This is a study in contrasts: the soft curves of Norton’s figure against the sharp angles of the sword, the delicate fronds juxtaposed with the bold text at the bottom. These cards were designed to be collected, traded, and consumed, much like the cigarettes they advertised. The formal composition works to commodify Miss Norton, turning her image into a token of popular culture. As we look at this card, let’s consider the way that these elements, the pose, the setting, and the sword, combine to create a carefully constructed image of spectacle and allure, designed for mass consumption.