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

This is "Omene," a photograph from the "Actresses" series, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional insert for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Produced during a period when the rise of mass media began to shape celebrity culture, this image exists at the intersection of commerce, art, and identity. The series reflects the increasing popularity of actresses as public figures, while simultaneously commodifying their images to sell tobacco products. Omene is presented in a soft, romantic style, a representation of feminine beauty that adheres to the aesthetic standards of the time. As we look at her, we might consider the dynamics of representation. How does the image contribute to the construction of an actress's identity? How does it reflect the gaze of the male consumer? What are the implications of linking female performers to products like cigarettes? Consider these questions as you reflect on the complex layers of meaning embedded in this small, yet culturally rich, artifact.