Portrait of woman, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 2) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small portrait of a woman was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of their "Novelties" series. This was a time when advertising was becoming an art form in itself. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The portrait is reminiscent of classical portraiture, but the mass-produced format and inclusion in a tobacco product disrupted the high-art associations. In the late 19th century United States, the rise of consumer culture saw advertising stepping into the public role of art, creating and reinforcing ideals of beauty and aspiration. By examining trade publications, company records, and social histories of advertising, we can better understand the role of images like this in shaping cultural values and norms. This reminds us that art's meaning is not just about aesthetic qualities, but also its complex relationship with social and institutional contexts.