Miss Eunice Vance, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is a promotional card of Miss Eunice Vance, from the Actresses series, printed by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The portrait features her delicate features and elaborate hairstyle, meant to represent the ideal of feminine beauty of the late 19th century. The lace collar is also very significant. Lace-making and wearing lace was popular in the late 19th century, and was seen as an important skill for women to possess. Lace has a long history, dating back to the 16th century, and was initially associated with wealth and aristocracy, as it was expensive and time-consuming to produce. Over time, lace became more accessible, but it remained a symbol of refinement and status. This symbol transcends time, weaving its way through history, shifting in meaning and significance, and resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new interpretations across various historical contexts. This image reflects how collective memory and subconscious processes may have affected the production and interpretation of the lace motif.