Mlle. Lobestini, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes

This small card featuring Mlle. Lobestini was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, sometime in the late 19th century. These cards were part of a larger cultural phenomenon. As consumer culture boomed, companies sought new ways to advertise. These cards, featuring actresses, athletes, and other celebrities, were collected and traded, thus building brand loyalty. The series speaks to the cult of celebrity that was beginning to emerge, and the increasing visibility of women in public life, albeit within the confines of the entertainment industry. Understanding the social history of images such as this one involves delving into advertising history, the history of photography, and the changing roles of women in society. It requires us to look beyond the image itself and consider the economic and social forces that shaped its production and consumption.