Card Number 251, Miss Butler, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes featuring Miss Butler, likely made around the turn of the 20th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. Observe Miss Butler’s attire, a theatrical costume echoing military dress, complete with decorative frogging and short boots. This flamboyant style recalls the attire of stage performers, yet there’s also a hint of authority and command embedded in the uniform. The choice of such garb is no accident. Consider the recurring motif of the 'triumph'— a visual trope found in Renaissance art and beyond, where figures are depicted in commanding poses to convey power and success. Here, the uniform subtly connects Miss Butler to this lineage of triumphal imagery, even if repurposed for commercial ends. The subconscious appeal lies in the associations with victory and control, subtly influencing the consumer's perception of the product. It's a fascinating demonstration of how cultural memory and emotion are woven into the fabric of even the most commercial images.