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

This small card featuring Yolande Wallace, from the Actresses series, was printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It was one of a number of promotional items included in packs of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Made through industrial printing processes, its sepia tones and soft focus aesthetic were very popular at the time. The card, made of paper, is thin and light, designed for mass distribution and immediate consumption, just like the cigarettes it advertised. The actress's image is carefully crafted to project an image of glamour and sophistication, qualities that the company hoped would transfer to their product. These cards exemplify the fusion of celebrity culture and consumerism that began in the late 19th century. They speak to the rise of mass media and the increasingly sophisticated techniques used to market products. Ultimately, these cards are cultural artifacts, reflecting social values, economic forces, and the ever-evolving relationship between commerce and art.