Card Number 107, Mollie Fuller, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 107 featuring Mollie Fuller is part of the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4), created around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the late 19th century, a time marked by industrial expansion and evolving social norms. Mollie Fuller, a stage performer, finds herself a subject of mass-produced commercial imagery, reflecting the growing intersection of entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture. The commodification of her image speaks volumes about the era's treatment of women in the public eye. While seemingly innocuous, these cards were part of a larger system where identity, gender, and commerce were intertwined. Consider the implications of having a woman’s image used to sell cigarettes, subtly linking her allure with the product. This card isn't just a portrait; it's a cultural artifact that encapsulates the complex dynamics of its time.