Fay Templeton in a French Costume of the 15th Century, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

W. Duke, Sons & Co. produced this small chromolithograph card of Fay Templeton as part of a series of actors and actresses used to promote Duke brand cigarettes. The image presents Templeton, a popular stage performer of the time, in what’s described as 15th-century French attire. However, the accuracy of the costume isn't really the point. What's interesting is how this card participates in the cultural economy of the late 19th century. As a collectible inserted into cigarette packs, it catered to a growing consumer culture, where images of celebrities helped to sell products. The card flattens historical context, turning Templeton and her costume into commodities, part of the spectacle that defined the era. We can research this phenomenon through periodicals, company records, and by studying the biographies of performers like Templeton. This artwork reminds us that even seemingly minor artifacts offer insights into the social and economic currents of their time.