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

This small card featuring Rosa Lee comes from a series of actresses printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time. Rosa Lee, adorned in what appears to be stage attire, embodies the performative aspects of femininity. The commercialization of her image raises questions about the representation and commodification of women in entertainment and advertising. The card exists within a complex intersection of gender, class, and commerce, reflecting the societal roles and expectations placed on women. It is worth considering how images like this contributed to the construction of celebrity culture, and how these representations were consumed and interpreted by a diverse audience. The mass production and distribution of these cards made images like that of Rosa Lee accessible, shaping public perceptions of beauty and success. As we consider Rosa Lee's image, let’s reflect on the societal structures that shaped her world and continue to influence our own.