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

This small photograph of Grace Tabor was part of a promotional series for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, produced by Kinney Brothers in the late 19th century. These cards were a clever marketing strategy, capitalizing on the popularity of actresses like Tabor. The image itself, with its formal pose and focus on beauty, reflects the societal expectations placed upon women in that era. But it's also a glimpse into the burgeoning world of mass media and consumer culture. Tobacco companies were pioneers in using imagery to cultivate brand loyalty. To understand this card, we need to consider the social history of advertising and the changing role of women in society. Researching the Kinney Brothers and the broader context of the tobacco industry and its marketing techniques, including print archives and company records, sheds light on these commercial images. Ultimately, this photograph serves as a reminder that art and culture are always intertwined with the forces of economics and social life.