Card Number 354, Miss McVickers, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This card was one of a series of cigarette cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. at the end of the 19th century. These cards, featuring actresses, sports figures, and other popular subjects, were included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. The image of Miss McVickers provides insight into the cultural values and social norms of the late 1800s in the United States. The actress's pose is theatrical, but also somewhat demure and highly sexualized. The advertisement suggests that smoking Duke cigarettes is a sophisticated and pleasurable activity associated with leisure, entertainment, and the allure of celebrity. Cards like this were among the first examples of mass advertising, relying on the relatively new technologies of photography and color printing. They offer a window into the cultural landscape of the time. Further research into the history of tobacco advertising, popular culture, and the role of women in entertainment would enrich our understanding of these images.