Card Number 68, Ida Mulle, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a sepia-toned promotional card from the late 19th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co., featuring actress Ida Mulle. Consider the card's compact format. The composition is carefully arranged, with the figure of Ida Mulle centered against a blurred backdrop, creating a sense of depth within a confined space. The tones create a certain mood, perhaps reflecting the era's aesthetic preferences, or the product it was advertising. The details of her costume and the set design show that she occupies a carefully constructed image. The card functions as a semiotic object. It’s not just a portrait, but also a signifier of cultural values and consumerism during the rise of mass media. The actress becomes a commodity. The card exists within a network of visual signs and cultural codes, reflecting evolving ideas about celebrity, gender, and commercial exchange.