Pauline Hall, from the Actresses series (N246), Type 1, issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes 1888 - 1892

This is a promotional card of Pauline Hall, one of many produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes. These cards existed within a cultural moment fascinated by celebrity, particularly the commodification and distribution of female performers’ images. Hall, a popular actress, was known for her performances in light opera, embodying a certain feminine ideal of the late 19th century. Yet, as a performer, her identity was also subject to public consumption and scrutiny, highlighting the complex relationship between women, fame, and commerce during this period. The image captures Hall in a poised, elegant pose, but the card's purpose was ultimately to sell cigarettes, reducing her image to a marketing tool. This tension between artistry, personal identity, and commercial exploitation raises questions about the agency of female performers and the male gaze. Consider how the image and its distribution both celebrated and commodified Pauline Hall, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards women in the public sphere.