Actress wearing green hat with pink feathers, from Stars of the Stage, Fourth Series (N132) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1892 - 1893

This chromolithograph of an actress in a green hat with pink feathers was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The actress’s ornate hat, rendered with meticulous detail, immediately captures our attention. Note how the artist has used color to create a sense of depth and texture, with the green of the hat contrasting the pink feathers. This juxtaposition of colors adds to the overall visual interest of the piece. The print was part of a series of promotional cards for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. Consider how the image functions semiotically: the actress, with her elaborate costume, signifies luxury and aspiration, qualities that the tobacco brand seeks to associate itself with. The image flattens conventional ideas of representation by focusing on the commodification of image and celebrity. As you reflect on this print, consider its status as both a work of art and a commercial object. The actress’s image is captured and reproduced, highlighting how art can be transformed into a consumable item.