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

This photograph of Frankie Raymond, an actress, was part of a series issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. In the late 19th century, these cards became a popular marketing tool, reflecting the growing commercialization and celebrity culture of the time in the United States. The image presents Raymond in costume, holding a staff, in what appears to be a theatrical pose. The Kinney Brothers, as a tobacco company, used imagery to associate their product with glamour, fame, and the entertainment industry, tapping into the desires and aspirations of consumers. This card, like others in the series, offered a glimpse into the world of theatre, making it accessible to a wider audience. To truly understand this image, we might delve into theatre history to understand the roles Frankie Raymond played. We could consider also the economics of the tobacco industry, and the marketing strategies employed at the turn of the century. By examining these contexts, we can appreciate how art is so often embedded in the social and commercial fabric of its time.