Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This portrait of a woman comes from a series of 'Novelties' produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, sometime in the late 19th century. These small cards were included in cigarette packs, capitalizing on the burgeoning advertising industry and the increasing popularity of tobacco use. But what does this image tell us? The woman depicted is idealized, her rosy cheeks and delicate features conforming to standards of beauty at the time. The necklace, in particular, hints at a level of social status and respectability. These cards weren't just advertisements; they were also cultural artifacts that reflected the values and aspirations of the late 19th century in America. As historians, we can look at these images to study the role of women in society, the rise of consumer culture, and the advertising industry. By examining sources like census records, fashion magazines, and business archives, we gain a better understanding of the social and institutional context that shaped the production and reception of artworks like this one.