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

This card, “Mary Stuart, from the Actresses series,” was produced by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late nineteenth century as a promotional item. The image is part of a larger cultural phenomenon: the rise of celebrity and the increasing commodification of images. Actresses, like Mary Stuart, became recognizable figures through mass media, and their likenesses were used to sell a variety of products, including cigarettes. This card underscores the intersection of entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture. Made in the United States, it reflects the growing industrialization and commercialization of society at that time. Tobacco companies became powerful economic entities, and advertising became a crucial tool for shaping consumer behavior. To fully understand the card's significance, we might consult trade publications and business histories to learn more about the Kinney Brothers' marketing strategies. Remember, art always exists within a specific social and institutional context.