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

This card depicting Lola Yberri comes from a series made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The photo was created through industrial printing, a process that enabled mass production and distribution. These cards, though small, were powerful tools of advertising and cultural exchange, slipping into cigarette packs and then into the hands of consumers across the country. The choice of subject and style of image was meticulously considered to appeal to a broad audience, and the image was reproduced in monochrome to emphasize the subject's features, textures, and overall allure. Cards like these offer a fascinating glimpse into the commercial culture of the late 19th century. It is important to consider how materials, making, and context are central to understanding the artwork, challenging the distinction between fine art and craft.