Miss Biggar, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photograph of Miss Biggar, part of the Actors and Actresses series, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes around the turn of the century. What might seem like a simple image was in fact part of a vast, mechanically driven enterprise. Photography at this time was becoming increasingly industrialized, allowing for mass production like never before. These small cards, printed on paper coated with light-sensitive chemicals, were churned out in enormous quantities and inserted into cigarette packs as collectable premiums. The process involved not only photographic expertise but also complex printing techniques and a sophisticated distribution network, all fueled by the popularity of tobacco. It is a potent reminder of how deeply intertwined art, commerce, and consumption were, and still are. Considering the cultural and economic context of this image, it is a testament to the power of materials and making in shaping our understanding of art beyond traditional boundaries.