May Ten Broeck, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is "May Ten Broeck, from the Actresses series (N245)", a promotional card made by Kinney Brothers to advertise Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. At first glance, we see a sepia-toned image of a woman in theatrical attire framed by a window. The composition emphasizes her figure, structured by the vertical lines of her corset and the framing window, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. The window acts as both a frame and a boundary, placing May Ten Broeck in a liminal space between private and public. The semiotic function of the window here is twofold: it invites the viewer into her world while maintaining a sense of separation. The muted tones soften the image, contributing to a dreamy, almost nostalgic effect. The texture of the print itself, smooth yet slightly faded, adds another layer to its visual appeal. The overt display of May Ten Broeck’s body, combined with the framing device, creates a tableau vivant effect, a living picture, designed to capture attention and imagination. This is a powerful example of how commercial art borrows from and reshapes established artistic conventions. The tension between display and containment, typical of the era's representation of women, continues to resonate today.