Actress wearing ornate headpiece, from Stars of the Stage, Third Series (N131) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891 - 1892

This small card was made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their ‘Honest Long Cut Tobacco.’ These cards were part of a larger series called ‘Stars of the Stage,’ which were included in cigarette packages. The image depicts an actress of the time, wearing an elaborate headpiece and fashionable attire. The purpose of such images was to create a sense of aspiration and association between the product and the glamorous world of the theater. The late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. Tobacco companies like Duke used innovative marketing strategies to build brand loyalty. This was achieved by distributing these cards, capitalizing on the popularity of stage performers and the burgeoning mass media culture. Understanding the context of this card requires delving into business history, the history of advertising, and the cultural history of the late 19th century, using sources such as trade journals, company records, and media archives. This helps us to see how art is always embedded in specific social and institutional arrangements.