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

This is a photographic print of Florence Modena, produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as one of a series of actress portraits used to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. In late 19th-century America, the rise of commercial photography coincided with a growing celebrity culture. Tobacco companies were among the first to capitalize on this trend, inserting collectible cards featuring popular actresses, athletes, and other public figures into their cigarette packs. These cards served as miniature billboards, associating the glamour and allure of celebrity with the brand. The images, like this one of Florence Modena, often presented a romanticized and idealized view, reinforcing prevailing standards of beauty and femininity. Analyzing such images requires us to look at the interplay between art, commerce, and society. By examining business records, advertising ephemera, and popular culture of the time, we can gain a richer understanding of the complex forces that shaped not only the production of art but also its reception.