Annie St. Tel, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is "Annie St. Tel," a promotional card from the "Actresses" series, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century to market Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, offer a glimpse into the complex relationship between commerce and celebrity in that period. Annie St. Tel, likely a stage performer, is presented here in a moment of poised elegance. The image captures her in a flowing gown, striking a theatrical pose, her gaze both inviting and demure. The use of actresses to promote tobacco reflects the era's evolving ideals of femininity, where women's beauty and talent were increasingly commodified. It is important to consider how these images contributed to the construction of female identity, blending public performance with private consumption. While celebrating these women, such cards also confined them to roles dictated by a male-dominated industry. This card serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which art, advertising, and identity were intertwined, shaping not only consumer culture but also our understanding of gender and representation.