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

This is a chromolithograph of a woman, made by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their Novelties series. The woman’s portrait is neatly framed within a perfect circle of pink rope. Her face, subtly flushed with pink, contrasts against the neutral backdrop. Details such as wisps of hair, gentle waves and the soft fabric of her bonnet are carefully rendered. This intimate portrayal invites the viewer to study her serene expression. The circular format, common in decorative arts, flattens perspective, creating a self-contained world. This choice elevates the subject beyond a mere portrait, offering instead a carefully constructed image that balances commercial appeal with artistic consideration. The very act of framing directs our gaze, turning the ordinary into an object of contemplation and desire. Ultimately, this small, mass-produced object is a signifier of both the individual and the cultural codes of beauty and commerce that define its era.