Nettie Von Bieg, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is a promotional card of Nettie Von Bieg from the Actresses series, printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late nineteenth century. It was included in packs of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time, where actresses held a unique position in society. Von Bieg's confident pose and elaborate costume reflect the spectacle of the theater and the burgeoning celebrity culture. These cards blur the lines between art, entertainment, and commerce, demonstrating the power of advertising to shape public perceptions. The distribution of these cards through tobacco products highlights the interconnectedness of various industries in shaping social norms and aspirations. Historical research into the theater, advertising, and consumer culture of the late 1800s provides valuable insights into the social context in which this card was produced and consumed. Understanding the role of institutions, in this case the tobacco industry, in shaping the production and distribution of images, allows us to gain a deeper appreciation of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.