Fan, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 5) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This chromolithograph of a fan with storks comes from a series issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the United States. While seemingly decorative, these cards offer insight into the cultural values and commercial strategies of the late 19th century. Tobacco companies like Kinney Brothers used these cards as promotional items. Inserted into cigarette packs, they incentivized repeat purchases and cultivated brand loyalty. The image itself—a delicate fan adorned with elegant birds—appealed to notions of refinement. However, the industrial production and mass distribution of these cards democratized access to art, albeit in a highly commercialized form. To fully understand this image, we need to consider it within the context of American consumer culture and the rise of mass media. Archival research into the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, as well as studies of advertising and consumer behavior of the time, would provide valuable insights. Ultimately, this seemingly simple image reveals the complex interplay of art, commerce, and social values in a rapidly changing society.