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

Editor: So, this is a collotype print from 1890 titled "Belle Leslie, from the Actresses series," created by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It’s strikingly… sepia-toned, with the subject posed rather dramatically. It feels very much of its time, doesn’t it? What do you see as historically significant about this portrait? Curator: Beyond the captivating pose of Belle Leslie, this image opens a window onto the fascinating intersection of celebrity culture, advertising, and the changing role of women in the late 19th century. The Kinney Brothers used actresses like Belle Leslie to promote their Sweet Caporal cigarettes. We must consider the act of consumption in a period of growing consumerism. What impact do you think this image may have had on the representation of women on stage, given its commercial context? Editor: I hadn’t considered that specifically! The advertisement aspect is clearer now. So, was this a common practice, using actresses to sell products like this? Curator: Absolutely. This was a strategic move to capitalize on the popularity of actresses and plays. By associating their brand with admired figures like Leslie, the Kinney Brothers could cultivate a more aspirational image for their cigarettes. Do you see a connection to advertising strategies today? Editor: It feels like a precursor to modern celebrity endorsements, definitely. What I’m also wondering is whether this portrayal gave Belle Leslie herself any agency or recognition beyond her performances? Or was she simply a figure to be consumed along with the cigarettes? Curator: That's a crucial point to consider. While it provided wider exposure, the power dynamics heavily favored the company. However, actresses also navigated and sometimes manipulated such images for their own purposes. Her ability to inspire consumerism can also imply an active viewership and negotiation on the audience's end, right? Editor: I see what you mean. Thinking about it, this small image prompts us to examine the broader social and economic forces at play back then. I hadn’t realized it was so complex. Curator: Precisely! It highlights how art, even in a commercial form, can be a reflection and a shaper of cultural values. We also saw some very similar dynamics more recently. It definitely is always in a state of constant re-evaluation!