Mlle. Mante, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is a promotional card for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes by the Kinney Brothers, featuring Mlle. Mante. The sepia tone gives the photograph a soft, almost dreamlike quality. The composition is dominated by the large, light mass of her tutu, which contrasts with the darker background. The image operates on a binary system, with the lightness of Mlle. Mante’s costume set against the shadowed areas, creating a visual tension. This contrast is not merely decorative; it structures the way we perceive the image, highlighting the performative aspect of her role. The softness of the sepia, coupled with the formal pose, hints at the commodification of image and identity. The card is less about individual personality and more about projecting an idealized, marketable image.