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

This is a promotional image of Bertha Waring, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of an advertising campaign for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century in the United States, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Tobacco companies often used images of actresses, athletes, and other celebrities to promote their products, capitalizing on their fame and public appeal. The image of Bertha Waring, in a somewhat sexualized pose, reflects how the bodies of female performers were often commodified and used for commercial purposes. It's worth considering the social and cultural context in which these cards were produced and consumed. How did they shape perceptions of beauty, fame, and gender roles? What does the institutional history of tobacco tell us about the nature of American business at this time? To understand the broader implications and interpretations of this image, it's crucial to delve into historical archives, explore popular culture of the time, and analyze the economic and social forces that shaped its production and reception.