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

This is a promotional card of Mignon Villars from the Actresses series, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to advertise Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The late 19th century saw a surge in the popularity of these cards, reflecting both a growing interest in celebrity culture and the rise of consumerism. Actresses, like Mignon Villars, became popular figures, their images mass-produced and distributed. This was a time when the female image was both celebrated and commodified. Consider the implications of using a woman’s image to sell tobacco, a product that was simultaneously becoming more popular and more scrutinized for its health effects. There's an emotional layer to this piece, too. The dream of celebrity was, and remains, deeply aspirational. This card, seemingly simple, captures a complex intersection of identity, commerce, and representation. It’s a reminder of how deeply intertwined our desires and aspirations are with the products we consume.