Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small portrait of a woman, part of the Novelties series, was produced by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The lithographic process used to create this card involved transferring an image from a stone or metal plate to paper, enabling mass production. The card's smooth surface and vibrant colors speak to the industrialization of art in the late 19th century, where images were no longer unique, hand-crafted objects but rather commodities circulated widely as promotional items. The choice of subject matter, a refined woman, speaks to the aspirations of tobacco consumers, suggesting sophistication and elegance. The Kinney Brothers’ portrait offers a glimpse into the intersection of art, industry, and consumer culture, inviting us to reconsider the value and meaning of mass-produced images.