Clown's cap, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 5) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is "Clown's cap," a novelty card from a series issued by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. During the late 19th century, these cards were commonly included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. This particular card features an image of a woman peering out from within a clown's cap. The depiction offers a glimpse into the cultural norms and representations of women during that era. Here, we see her through the lens of entertainment, her identity somewhat obscured by the costume. This raises questions about the roles women were expected to play and the ways in which their identities were often framed within specific societal expectations. The act of placing images like these in tobacco products speaks volumes about the targeted consumer base and the values they were meant to embody. It invites us to consider how consumer culture shapes and reflects societal attitudes towards identity, gender, and class. It's a poignant reminder of the intersection between commerce, culture, and the construction of identity.