Woman wearing blue hat with pink ribbons, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small, round tobacco card, titled "Woman wearing blue hat with pink ribbons," was produced by Kinney Brothers, a tobacco company. The portrait is defined by a play of circular forms, from the card's perimeter to the soft curve of the woman's cheek. Note the delicate balance between the flatness of the printed image and the illusion of depth. The artist uses subtle shading to suggest the contours of the face, neck and hair, while the overall composition remains decidedly two-dimensional. This tension embodies a broader shift towards abstraction. Furthermore, the woman’s attire, with its vibrant pink and blue hues, serves not only to depict fashion but also to engage with the semiotic language of color. The ribbons and hat, rendered with careful detail, underscore the cultural codes of femininity and luxury. Ultimately, this card is a reminder that even the most unassuming objects can reveal intricate layers of meaning.