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

This photograph of Mae Powers was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. In the late 19th century, tobacco companies frequently included collectible cards featuring actresses, athletes, and other public figures to boost sales. These cards reflect a growing culture of celebrity and consumerism in the United States. Actresses like Mae Powers gained visibility through these images, even if their careers were fleeting. The cards served as a form of advertising, linking the allure of celebrity with the consumption of tobacco. The commercialization of images also impacted social mores and the institutional structures of the entertainment industry. As theatre and performance evolved, the circulation of images through trade cards and other media shaped public perceptions of performers. To fully understand the significance of these cards, one can look into archives, theatre ephemera, and advertising history. The image of Mae Powers captures a moment in time, where the boundaries between art, commerce, and celebrity culture were becoming blurred.