Actress holding bouquet of flowers, from the Actresses series (N246), Type 2, issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes 1888 - 1892

This sepia-toned photograph of an actress holding a bouquet of flowers was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, as part of a series to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes. These cards were immensely popular at the time. Actresses, like other public figures, became a key part of brand marketing, reflecting and shaping the aesthetic ideals of the late 19th century. But it's worth considering the power dynamics at play here. These actresses, often constrained by the social norms of the time, found themselves commodified, their images used to sell products in a male-dominated industry. The bouquet she holds, while seemingly innocuous, also speaks to the objectification of women, often associated with delicate beauty and passivity. However, in the gaze of the actress there is a sense of self-awareness, a silent negotiation with the viewer. These cards offer a glimpse into the complex interplay of identity, commerce, and representation during the late 1800s.