Mlle. Narreys, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is "Mlle. Narreys," a promotional card from the Actresses series, created by Kinney Brothers to advertise Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. The sepia tone flattens the image, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow which defines Mlle. Narreys' features and attire. The composition is simple; her gaze meets ours directly, framed by the soft curve of her hat. The floral embellishments and the delicate lace of her dress add texture, yet are rendered uniformly by the photographic process. Kinney Brothers, though a commercial entity, engaged with prevailing cultural codes by producing collectible images of actresses. Here, Mlle. Narreys is presented as both an individual and a type, highlighting the constructed nature of celebrity. The flatness of the photograph challenges notions of depth and authenticity, reflecting a broader shift in artistic representation. Consider the interplay between surface and depth, image and reality, as you contemplate this seemingly straightforward portrait. It invites us to reflect on how meanings are constructed and disseminated through visual media.