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

This is a promotional card of Marie Vanoni from the "Actresses" series, produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to market Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the intertwined worlds of entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture. Vanoni’s theatrical pose, with her hand on her hip and leg propped, projects a confidence and allure typical of actresses portrayed in such cards. The costuming and stage-like setting construct an identity centered on performance and spectacle. Yet, these images also reflect the objectification of women. Distributed with tobacco products, they catered to male consumers, turning Vanoni and her fellow actresses into commodities for consumption. While celebrated for their performances, actresses were also subject to intense public scrutiny and moral judgment, navigating complex gender dynamics. What does it mean to embody fame and visibility while being confined to the expectations of an industry and era? This card captures a moment in Vanoni's career, but it also speaks to the broader challenges and triumphs of women in the performing arts.