Miss Antonio, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is "Miss Antonio," a photograph from the Actresses series, issued by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Photographs like this, printed on small paper cards, were not intended as art. They were cheaply made using industrial processes and included in cigarette packs as a promotional item. Their primary goal was to encourage repeat purchases. The image, subdued in tone, captures a posed figure, presumably a performer. Note how the ballerina's costume—the delicate tutu and laced bodice—contrasts sharply with the mass-produced nature of the card itself. These cards reflect a broader culture of celebrity and consumption, linking the glamour of the stage to the everyday habit of smoking. So, consider this: even the most seemingly ephemeral objects can offer insight into the social and economic structures of their time. It challenges our notions of what constitutes art, and asks us to consider the value and intention behind every creation.