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

This sepia toned image is of Lola Yberri, printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of a series of actresses to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. This form of advertisement was common in the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Yberri is presented in the conventional attire of a star: feathered boa, fan, and richly patterned gown, embodying an image of sophistication designed to entice consumers. Yet, her downcast gaze hints at the complex layers beneath the polished surface of celebrity. Such images offered a limited view of women, reinforcing their roles as objects of beauty, while simultaneously acknowledging the allure and power they held on stage. These cards reflect a society grappling with changing ideas about gender, performance, and the burgeoning commercial landscape. What does it mean to see a woman like Yberri, celebrated yet confined to a small card, promoting consumption?