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

This photographic print of Irene Verona was made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, likely around the late 19th century. It offers us an intriguing window into the intertwined histories of commerce, entertainment, and gender in America. These cards were enormously popular and offer insight into the cultural values of the period. Irene Verona, an actress, is depicted in what was considered at the time to be a rather immodest outfit, while smoking a cigarette. We might consider this in terms of the rising visibility of women in public life and in relation to debates around female emancipation. The image subtly challenged social norms while simultaneously reinforcing the association of smoking with sophistication and allure. Understanding this image requires us to delve into archives of popular culture, theater history, and advertising. Approaching art history in this way reveals the complex ways in which images reflect and shape the social fabric.