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

This albumen silver print of "Baby Parker" was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of an "Actresses" series. The series was issued as promotional material for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The image speaks volumes about the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. The commercialization of childhood is evident as "Baby Parker," likely a child actress, is used to promote a product. Consider the implications: the innocence of a child intertwined with an adult habit. This juxtaposition tells us about how the marketing and advertising industries were in their infancy, and how public perception of children was changing. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the archives of advertising history. What were the common marketing tactics of the time? How were children portrayed in other forms of media? These are just some of the questions that historical research can help us answer, revealing the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.