Actress wearing costume with elaborate cane, from Stars of the Stage, Second Series (N130) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

This chromolithograph, made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents an actress in elaborate costume, part of a series promoting "Honest Long Cut Tobacco." The work's appeal lies in its precise rendering and the theatrical flair of its subject, inviting us to consider how it operates within broader cultural frameworks of representation and spectacle. The chromatic structure uses contrasting colours and textures to define the actress's attire, from the deep blue of her coat to the stark white of her lace collar. The artist's attention to detail highlights the constructed nature of identity, emphasizing how costume and pose contribute to the illusion of performance. Consider how the actress’s confident stance and elegant cane signify agency and control, subverting conventional gender roles of the late 19th century. Through its vibrant colours and meticulous detail, this small card opens up discussions about identity, performance, and the cultural meanings embedded in visual representation.