Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is a portrait of a woman from the Novelties series, created by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. Tobacco cards like this one offer a glimpse into the complex cultural landscape of the late 19th century. They were often inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, and the images on them reflected and shaped societal values. The woman's fair complexion and delicate features embody a particular standard of beauty that was highly valued at the time. But it's important to consider how this image might have excluded or marginalized those who didn't fit this ideal. What did it mean for women of color, or working-class women, who were rarely represented in such a flattering light? This card invites us to reflect on the power of images to shape our perceptions of beauty and worth, and the ways in which these perceptions can be both deeply personal and powerfully political.