Rose Sutherland and Ada Clark, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This photograph of Rose Sutherland and Ada Clark comes from a series of collectible cards issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The image is not just an advertisement. It also offers us a snapshot into the cultural values of the time, especially regarding femininity and celebrity. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, often featured actresses, singers, and dancers, who were among the first celebrities of the modern age. We can see them as part of the emerging culture of mass media and consumerism. How did the rise of celebrity culture intersect with the changing roles of women in society? Were these images empowering or exploitative? Examining archives of popular culture, alongside institutional records, allows us to understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society. These cards, seemingly simple advertisements, are rich sources for social and cultural history.