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

This promotional card of Fanny McIntyre, part of the Actresses series, was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, around the turn of the 20th century. The sepia-toned card features a staged photograph of the actress. Note how the composition emphasizes a romantic and somewhat melancholic mood through the soft lighting and the subject's pose. McIntyre is draped in classical garb, leaning against a curtain, which adds a theatrical depth to the image. The texture of the fabric, along with the beaded shawl, introduces a tactile dimension, contrasting with the smooth, almost ethereal quality of her skin. The choice of sepia tones mutes the colors, enhancing the nostalgic feel. These visual elements invite us to consider the construction of celebrity and femininity in the burgeoning age of mass media. The card is not merely a portrait but a carefully constructed image designed to evoke desire and aspiration. The formal choices elevate it beyond mere advertisement.