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

This is a promotional card from the Actresses series, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company sometime around 1890 to advertise Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The image, printed on thin card stock, features Miss Rivers, a stage performer of the day. What's interesting is that the material of this card directly links it to the wider world of commerce and consumption. Its creation relies on industrial processes: photography, printing, and the mass manufacture of cigarettes. The card wasn't intended as a precious artwork, but as a disposable item, designed to be collected and traded. Consider the labor involved, from the tobacco farmers to the factory workers assembling cigarettes, to the actresses themselves, whose images were used to promote the product. The card's value lies not just in its image, but in its connection to these broader social and economic networks. So, next time you see a seemingly simple image like this, remember to think about the materials, the making, and the context. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can tell us a great deal about society, culture, and the way we live.