Actress wearing large floral piece in hair, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is a promotional trade card of an actress wearing a large floral piece in her hair, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their Actresses series to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The late 19th century saw the rise of celebrity endorsements, and these cards offered a glimpse into the lives and faces of popular actresses. This card underscores the intertwined relationship between the entertainment industry and commercial culture. It also highlights the objectification of women, turning them into commodities to sell products. The actress, adorned with flowers, embodies an ideal of feminine beauty and allure. Consider how the actress might have felt being reduced to an image on a cigarette card, her identity serving commercial interests. The image, though small, speaks volumes about the cultural norms and power dynamics of its time.