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

This small promotional card of Miss Bie, from the Actresses series, was printed by Kinney Brothers to advertise Sporting Extra Cigarettes. Note how the sepia tone and soft focus create a dreamy, ethereal quality, typical of photographic portraiture of the late 19th century. The composition centres on the actress's face and bare shoulders, drawing us into her gaze. What makes this seemingly straightforward portrait intriguing is its function as a commercial object. The actress's image becomes a sign, linking her allure with the consumption of cigarettes. This conflation raises questions about representation and the commodification of the female image in advertising. The very act of circulation, distributed with tobacco products, transforms Miss Bie into a symbol, subject to varied interpretations. Consider how this image, through its formal qualities and commercial context, blurs the boundaries between art, advertising, and identity. It invites us to question the codes and structures that shape our understanding of beauty, fame, and desire.