Woman wearing red cap, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This lithograph of a woman in a red cap was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their "Novelties" series. These small cards were included in cigarette packages, a marketing strategy popular in the late 19th century. The woman depicted embodies the idealized image of white, feminine beauty of the time: fair skin, rosy lips, and blonde, curly hair. Her direct gaze and confident posture challenges the typical demure portrayal of women in art. It's fascinating to consider how mass-produced images like these contributed to shaping societal standards of beauty and desirability, while also subtly empowering women through these confident representations. The red cap could be seen as a symbol of rebellion, offering a quiet challenge to the established norms. These promotional cards were incredibly popular, signifying that societal roles were shifting and perhaps becoming more inclusive. The intimacy of the small scale invites us to reflect on our relationship with the ever-changing face of identity.