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

This is a promotional cigarette card of Maud Macdonald, an actress from the late 19th century, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. These cards offer a glimpse into the popular culture of the time, when actresses were among the most celebrated figures. Reflect on the performative nature of identity, especially for women in the public eye. How did someone like Maud Macdonald navigate the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman, and as an actress? She is adorned in a costume, a visual representation of the roles women play, both on and off the stage. The card itself, mass-produced and distributed with cigarettes, speaks to the commodification of image and identity. Consider how these images shape our understanding of gender, performance, and celebrity, then and now. There is a tension here, as we grapple with the romantic vision of actresses in contrast to the commercial interests seeking to capitalize on their fame.