Lyre, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 3) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small, round Lyre card from the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company is part of the Novelties series. Produced during a time of burgeoning consumer culture, these cards were included in cigarette packages as collectible items. This card features a portrait of a young woman framed by a lyre, an instrument associated with classical virtue and harmony. However, the commercial context complicates this idealized image. The card participates in the marketing and commodification of femininity, reflecting the era’s shifting gender roles and the increasing presence of women in advertising. The image is evocative of the romantic and sentimental aesthetics popular at the time. The woman's soft features and demure expression align with conventional representations of femininity, yet her presence on a tobacco card also suggests a subtle challenge to traditional norms. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural values, gender dynamics, and commercial strategies of the late 19th century. They remind us that even the smallest objects can reveal larger societal trends.