Card Number 726, Miss Jones, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 726, Miss Jones" was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. This photograph, printed on cardstock, is a reminder of the close relationship between industry and entertainment at the turn of the century. The photographic process was becoming increasingly industrialized at this time, allowing for mass production of images. This card, though small, represents a shift in how images were created and consumed. The choice of cardstock as a material is also significant; it was cheap, durable, and easily printed upon, making it perfect for mass production. These cards were not intended as high art but rather as promotional items, yet their creation involved skilled labor and complex machinery. The production of these cards reflects a changing social landscape where art and commerce were becoming increasingly intertwined. Considering this card in terms of its materials and methods of production allows us to understand its place in a broader cultural and economic context. It challenges traditional notions of art and craft, prompting us to consider the value and significance of everyday objects.