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

This photograph of Maud Harrison was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for their Sporting Extra Cigarettes. Made in the late 19th century, this small card speaks volumes about the social and cultural landscape of the time. The image creates meaning through visual codes that were easily readable for its contemporary audience. Photography was becoming increasingly accessible, and images of actresses like Harrison were highly sought after. Her elegant attire, elaborate hairstyle, and poised demeanor reflect the era’s ideals of feminine beauty and social status. In a rapidly industrializing America, the culture of celebrity was on the rise, and companies like Kinney Brothers were keen to capitalize on it. These cards were essentially early forms of advertising, using popular figures to associate their products with glamour and aspiration. Understanding this image requires us to look at the institutional history of advertising and the rise of consumer culture. By delving into archives, business records, and cultural studies, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.