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

This small photographic print of Emily Rigl, from the Actresses series was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. Its subdued sepia tones and compact size create an intimate viewing experience. The composition is structured around the play of light and shadow, which gently models Rigl's face and draws attention to her pearl necklace. The soft focus and warm color palette evoke a sense of nostalgia, characteristic of the late 19th century. The image functions as both a portrait and an advertisement. Note how the formal qualities, such as the delicate lace and pearl embellishments, speak to the aspirational values associated with the actresses of the time. The printing of Rigl's name at the bottom flattens the image, underscoring its commercial purpose. Ultimately, it is through these formal elements that the image operates within a semiotic system, where the actress's likeness becomes a signifier of beauty and sophistication in a rapidly changing consumer culture.