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

This card featuring Miss Paula, from the Actresses series, was made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards, popular in the United States, offer a fascinating glimpse into the era's cultural values and the burgeoning advertising industry. The image, a photograph, presents Miss Paula adorned with jewels, embodying an ideal of feminine beauty and success closely tied to celebrity culture. The mass production and distribution of these cards reflect the rise of consumerism and the increasing importance of visual media in shaping public perception. It hints at the intertwined relationships between entertainment, advertising, and societal aspirations during this period. To fully appreciate this image, we might delve into archives documenting the history of advertising, tobacco companies, and the lives of actresses during this period. It allows us to understand how art and commerce intersect and reinforce particular social norms.