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

This is Ada Melrose, from the Actresses series, a promotional card for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The sepia tone flattens the image, enhancing the linear qualities of the composition. Melrose is captured mid-pose, her body forming a series of curves. The lines of her dress, echoed in the sweep of her arm, create a dynamic sense of movement. The composition is asymmetrically balanced, with her figure offset to one side. This allows a sense of airiness, contrasting with the density of her floral hat. The card functions as a sign, not only of Melrose's image but also of the cultural values associated with actresses at the time. It elevates the status of the brand by associating it with a desirable public figure, creating an interplay between art, commerce, and identity. Note the tension between the ephemeral nature of performance and the static quality of the card. The act of framing Melrose in this way raises questions about the commodification of fame and the actress's role within a burgeoning media landscape.