Mme. Modjeska, from the Actresses series (N246), Type 1, issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes 1888 - 1892

This photograph of Mme. Modjeska was created by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as part of a series of actresses used to promote Sporting Extra Cigarettes. Helena Modjeska was a Polish actress who gained international fame for her performances in Shakespearean tragedies and contemporary plays. Her career intersected with issues of immigration, cultural assimilation, and the changing roles of women in the late 19th century. As an immigrant to the United States, Modjeska navigated the complexities of establishing herself in a new cultural landscape, while also challenging traditional expectations of women in theater. She aimed to represent women as complex characters capable of making their own choices. These cigarette cards were a novel form of advertising, blurring the lines between commerce and celebrity culture. As you look at this photograph, consider how Modjeska's persona as a performer was carefully constructed and marketed to a broad audience, reflecting both her personal aspirations and the desires of the society in which she lived.