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

This is a photograph of Daisy Williams from the Actresses series (N245), made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were immensely popular, reflecting a growing fascination with celebrity culture at the turn of the 20th century. Consider how images like these shaped perceptions of women and their roles in society. Actresses, like Daisy Williams, occupied a unique position. On one hand, they were public figures, admired for their talent and beauty. On the other, they navigated the complex social mores of the time, often facing scrutiny and judgement for pursuing careers outside the domestic sphere. These images are so much more than promotional ephemera, they offer a glimpse into the historical and cultural landscape that shaped the identities and opportunities available to women in the late 19th century. They invite us to think about the relationship between representation, aspiration, and the lived realities of women like Daisy Williams.