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

This is a photograph of Mabel Montgomery, an actress, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These small cards were enormously popular in the late 19th century in the United States. They were a form of advertising that also acted as collectibles, creating a craze among consumers. While seemingly harmless, these cards, like the cigarettes they promoted, were part of a larger transformation in consumer culture and the rise of mass marketing. Consider that while this is a portrait of an actress, her image is being used to move product, and her fame is tied into that brand recognition. The photograph itself, like the product, offers a window into the cultural values of the time. The actress's pose, dress, and demeanor all speak to prevailing ideas about femininity and celebrity. Understanding this image requires us to consider the history of advertising, the cult of celebrity, and the social norms of the era. Resources like trade publications, company records, and social histories can help us understand the full story behind this seemingly simple image.