Actress dressed in pinstripe suit, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This albumen silver print, dating back to the late 19th century, was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The print depicts an actress in a pinstripe suit, and was part of a series produced to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. This card is a material testament to the intersections of entertainment, fashion, and consumer culture in that era. The photographic process itself was becoming increasingly industrialized at this time, allowing for mass production and widespread distribution. The image is a fascinating artifact of its time, reflecting the commodification of celebrity and the increasing prevalence of advertising in everyday life. While it may appear to be a simple portrait, it speaks volumes about the social and economic forces shaping the late 19th century, challenging our conventional ideas about art, craft, and commerce.