Goblet, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 3) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This tiny promotional card featuring an anonymous woman was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of a series of collectibles included in cigarette packs. Popular in the late 19th century, these cards offer a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. The woman, framed by a delicate goblet, embodies an ideal of feminine beauty and respectability. Enclosed by the glass, she could be seen as a representation of women's constrained roles in society, where their identities were often defined by their appearance and domestic roles. The Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company used images like this to market their products to consumers, subtly associating smoking with refinement and aspiration. The woman's fur and elegant attire suggest a certain social class, inviting consumers to see themselves as part of this elite lifestyle. The image operates as both a celebration and an encapsulation, reflecting how societal expectations shaped individual identities.