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

This is a photograph of Ruth Ward, part of the Actresses series, created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The photograph is a sepia toned portrait, in which Ward is centrally positioned against a backdrop suggestive of a theatrical stage. The composition is carefully arranged, with Ward leaning casually against a faux column, her pose and attire hinting at exoticism and performance. This is reinforced by the backdrop, featuring a painted scene of palms and classical architecture, creating a constructed space that blends fantasy with commercial intent. The sepia tone lends a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, yet it simultaneously flattens the image, reducing depth and texture. This aesthetic choice draws attention to the constructed nature of the image. Ultimately, the photograph uses Ruth Ward's image as a sign, inviting viewers to associate her allure with the consumption of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and representation.