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

Editor: Here we have a print from 1890 by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, featuring Lillian Russell, a popular actress. It has such an interesting sense of stardom. What story do you think it’s telling? Curator: This portrait, mass-produced as a cigarette card, speaks volumes about the commodification of celebrity and the evolving role of women in the late 19th century. Think about how Russell, a woman celebrated for her beauty and stage presence, becomes a tool for selling tobacco. It blurs the lines between art, entertainment, and advertising. Do you see any dissonance there? Editor: Absolutely. It feels almost subversive, using a woman’s image to push a product that, arguably, wasn’t the best thing for people’s health! Curator: Precisely! And consider Lillian Russell herself. Her image, meticulously crafted and circulated, played a significant role in shaping ideals of feminine beauty and success. But whose ideals were those? And what expectations did they create for women of the time? Also, the card’s availability only to those who could afford cigarettes further complicates the issue, creating a portrait of an economy where cultural products, ideals of beauty, and self-worth are filtered through a capitalist lens. Editor: So it is sort of reflecting aspirations. And controlling them at the same time. It's made me think of today's influencer culture too - there's some fascinating overlap. Curator: Exactly. Examining the circulation and consumption of images like this gives us insight into power structures and the ways in which they impact identity. Editor: This has definitely opened my eyes to the layers beneath this seemingly simple portrait! Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Keep questioning, keep digging, and keep making those connections.