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

This card featuring Emmie Weathersby was made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional item for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century in the United States, offer a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the Gilded Age. The image itself, with Weathersby adorned in elaborate attire, speaks volumes about the period's emphasis on presentation and status. The figure of the actress represented a changing social landscape, where women were gaining visibility in public life, albeit within certain bounds. The commercial use of her image highlights the intertwined relationship between entertainment, advertising, and the burgeoning consumer culture. The tobacco industry played a significant role in shaping these dynamics, using imagery to associate their products with glamour and aspiration. Understanding this card requires delving into the archives of advertising history and theatre ephemera. By studying such materials, we can better understand the complex interplay of commerce, gender, and representation in shaping American culture.