Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 1) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small portrait of a woman is from the Novelties series, issued by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. Though seemingly simple, it encapsulates much of the socio-cultural values of the late 19th century. The Kinney Brothers were pioneers in the tobacco industry, and used images like this one as collectibles to drive sales. The woman's features and clothing, coded with signifiers of idealized femininity and perhaps even regional identity, catered to the aesthetic tastes of the period, while also subtly marketing ideas of beauty and aspiration. These cards were immensely popular, reflecting a growing culture of consumerism and visual media. They offered a glimpse into the lives and representations of women, even as they reinforced existing social norms and gender roles. Looking at this image, consider how everyday objects like these shaped perceptions of identity, and how they continue to resonate with us today.