Polish Mazurka, from National Dances (N225, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

The Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company produced this small lithograph called "Polish Mazurka" as part of a series of "National Dances". Tobacco cards like this one gained popularity in the late 19th century as a marketing tool. The company distributed these cards with their tobacco products to promote brand awareness. The image of the Polish Mazurka, a traditional folk dance, speaks to the cultural interests of the time. The card exoticizes Polish culture by depicting the dancer in a costume that suggests military or aristocratic status. The dancer's exaggerated mustache and theatrical pose reinforce this sense of spectacle. These cards can tell us a lot about cultural attitudes toward nationalism, ethnicity, and entertainment in the late 19th century. Understanding the social and institutional context of this image requires us to consult archives, periodicals, and other sources to understand the nature of mass media in the 19th century. Only then can we understand the role of art in shaping our perceptions of other cultures.