Mlle. Theresine, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This small photograph of Mlle. Theresine was one of a series of actresses printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company for their Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, produced in the late 19th century, served as promotional items, capitalizing on the popularity of stage actresses. This image, with its theatrical backdrop and Theresine's military-inspired costume, including a toy cannon, offers a glimpse into the spectacle of popular entertainment at that time. It also reflects how the tobacco industry used cultural figures to promote its products. Such ephemera provide a unique window into the social and economic landscapes of the Gilded Age in the United States, and the institutional history of advertising. By studying advertisements like these, along with theater programs and census data, we can better understand how commercial culture shaped social values and gender roles. Art becomes not just something to admire, but a document that reflects the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.