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

This is Anna Lewis, from the Actresses series, a promotional image made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. In the late 19th century, trade cards like this one were used to promote products, but they also offer us a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. The "Actresses" series reflects the public's fascination with the theater and its performers. But, it also highlights the complex role of women in the entertainment industry. Actresses were celebrated for their beauty and talent, yet often faced societal scrutiny and were not always seen as respectable. Consider Anna Lewis herself. We see her poised and elegant, but the image is carefully constructed, designed to sell an image of glamour and aspiration. These images can tell us a lot about the construction of fame, and the dynamics between performer, audience, and the emerging world of consumer culture.