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

This photograph of Cora Strong is from the “Actresses” series, published by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards were collected by consumers, functioning as both advertisement and commodity. Strong's portrayal embodies the complexities of gender and performance in the late 19th century. She is depicted in theatrical garb, but her confident gaze and the subtle assertion of her body challenge the demure standards typically imposed on women. The presence of the guitar hints at her artistic talent and independence, but also situates her as an object of visual consumption. These cards reflect how the burgeoning mass media and advertising industries played a significant role in shaping perceptions of femininity and celebrity, often blurring the lines between public performance and private identity. While seemingly celebrating female performers, they also commodified their images for commercial gain, raising questions about agency, representation, and the economics of desire.