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

This is "Carrie Wilson, from the Actresses series (N245)", a promotional card issued by Kinney Brothers to market Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer us a glimpse into the commercialization of identity and the performance of femininity in that era. Carrie Wilson, like many actresses featured on these cards, was both a performer and a product, her image carefully constructed to appeal to consumers. The pose, the costume, even the name emblazoned below, all contribute to a carefully crafted persona designed to sell cigarettes. Consider how the commodification of women’s images intersects with the growing consumer culture of the time, where identity itself becomes a marketable commodity. These cards blur the lines between art, advertising, and identity, reflecting a society grappling with changing notions of fame, beauty, and the role of women in public life.