Italian, from Types of Nationalities (N240) issued by Kinney Bros. 1890

This is a small printed card titled "Italian, from Types of Nationalities," made by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. The card is divided horizontally, presenting a portrait of an Italian man. Above, his head is set against a stippled pale blue background. Below the horizon line, the man's shoulders and torso emerge, clad in what seems to be rough fabric. His facial expression is downcast, marked by downturned lips and shadowed eyes, conveying a sense of melancholy. He holds out a hat, presumably for alms. The composition is carefully arranged to draw the eye to his face and the outstretched hat. The materiality of the print, with its distinct color palette and textural background, evokes a specific historical context. This image invites us to consider how it reflects and reinforces cultural stereotypes, prompting discussions about representation, identity, and the gaze.