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

Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company produced this photograph of Sadie Martinot as a promotional item 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. Sadie Martinot, a well-known actress, is depicted in a refined pose that signifies elegance, charm, and grace. By distributing these cards, Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company not only promoted their brand but also associated it with the glamour of the theatre and celebrity culture. The mass production and circulation of these images contributed to the rise of consumer culture. The image provides us with an opportunity to study the societal role of women in entertainment and the marketing strategies employed to appeal to consumers. Further investigation into these strategies could involve market research, studies of gender, or the commercialization of celebrity in America. These would shed more light on the social and cultural contexts that shaped the production and consumption of such images.