Card Number 622, Miss Snowden, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card featuring Miss Snowden, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards were a 19th-century marketing tool, capitalizing on the popularity of actresses and performers. This image is not just an advertisement; it’s a glimpse into the cultural dynamics of the time. The depiction of Miss Snowden in what appears to be a playful sailor's outfit raises questions about the objectification and representation of women in the late 1800s. How does the commercial use of her image reflect societal attitudes towards women's bodies and roles? These cards offered a window into a world of entertainment, celebrity, and idealized beauty. Simultaneously, they reveal the underlying power structures and the marketing strategies that shaped consumer culture. Consider the ways in which Miss Snowden's image might have resonated with different audiences, and how it contributed to broader conversations about gender, performance, and identity during this period.