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

This photograph of Amy Wells, part of the Actresses series, was issued by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It’s a humble object, made through industrial processes of photographic printing. The image itself is a window into the social context of the late 19th century, a time when celebrity culture was on the rise. The sepia tone gives the image a nostalgic feel, while the small size made it ideal for collecting. The Kinney Brothers weren't just selling cigarettes; they were selling aspiration, glamour, and a connection to popular culture. The fact that these images were mass-produced and included in cigarette packs speaks volumes about the intersection of commerce and culture. It blurs the lines between art, advertising, and everyday life. It challenges us to consider how modes of production and capitalism influence our perceptions of beauty, fame, and value, highlighting the amount of work involved in the production process.