Card Number 36, Stanly, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 36, Stanly, an advertisement from the Actors and Actresses series created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The photographic print is defined by its subdued sepia tones and a composition that directs the viewer's gaze towards the actress’s profile. The use of soft focus lends the image an ethereal quality, while the delicate gradations of light and shadow articulate the contours of her face and hair. Note the fine pearl necklace and the elaborate hairstyle, signifying status and elegance. The card functions as a semiotic system. The portrait’s aesthetic choices, such as the soft lighting and refined pose, communicate cultural values of beauty and sophistication. However, the commercial purpose of the card—to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes—introduces a layer of complexity, intertwining artistic expression with consumer culture. The photograph is not merely a representation, but a crafted image designed to convey specific meanings and desires. In its formal construction and cultural context, the artwork reveals how art and advertising intersect to shape perceptions and values.