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

This is a promotional image of the actress Lena Northern, issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their "Actresses" series. These cards were printed using photolithography, a process that allowed for mass production of images, printed on paper and inserted into cigarette packs. The card's sepia tone is characteristic of early photographic processes, and the slight blurring softens Northern's features, idealizing her for public consumption. Consider the scale of this image too: small, intimate, designed to be collected and traded. It reflects a growing culture of celebrity and consumerism, where images of actors and actresses were used to sell products. The Kinney Brothers weren't just selling tobacco; they were selling aspiration, glamour, and a connection to the world of entertainment. In its own way, this humble card challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and the everyday world of commerce.