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

This pocket-sized portrait of actress Lillian Russell comes from a series of collectible cards issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, like photographs, became a popular means of circulating images, creating and reinforcing social ideals of beauty and success. As a famous singer and actress, Russell embodied a feminine ideal which was both domestic and performative. The portrait captures Russell in costume, her extravagant hat, and lace shawl hinting at the luxurious lifestyle of a star. While appearing to celebrate Russell, the card served the commercial interests of the Kinney Brothers, who capitalized on Russell’s image to sell cigarettes. The actress herself became a commodity, a symbol of aspiration packaged with each purchase. The image then, serves as a reminder of the intertwined relationship between art, commerce, and the construction of identity in the late 19th century.