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

This photographic print of Kittie Mitchell was published in the United States as part of a series of actress portraits used to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. It exemplifies the commercial intersection of performance, celebrity, and consumer culture in the late 19th century. Consider the visual codes at play here. The image presents Mitchell in a theatrical pose, emphasizing her physical appearance. This aligns with the period’s broader commodification of women in advertising and entertainment. Note the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company's strategic use of actresses. This reflects the rising popularity of theater and the increasing appeal of celebrity endorsements to mass audiences. The card was designed to be collected and traded, fostering brand loyalty and integrating the product into everyday social interactions. To fully understand this image, one could explore the history of advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social role of women in the late 19th century. The meaning of this simple advertisement lies in its complex web of social and institutional contexts.