Monfredo, from National Dances (N225, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

"Monfredo, from National Dances" was issued by Kinney Bros., a tobacco company, in the late 19th century. These cards were created during a time of increased industrialization and global exchange, when the idea of national identity was being actively constructed and commercialized. This particular card depicts a woman in what is meant to be traditional European folk attire. Looking closely, consider how the image presents a romanticized and somewhat stereotypical view of European culture. The costume, with its bright colors and frills, is presented as inherently jovial. Yet, the image simplifies a diverse set of cultural traditions into a single, consumable image. In a rapidly changing world, such cards offered a sense of stability and connection to an imagined past. The figure’s femininity and ethnicity are emphasized through the pose and costume, aligning her with notions of spectacle and entertainment. Such representations circulated widely, impacting how people perceived both themselves and others.