[Actress wearing tall headpiece], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photograph of an actress in costume was produced around 1900 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, capitalizing on the popularity of actresses and theatrical culture during the late 19th century. This particular image, with its ornate headpiece and exoticized costume, speaks to the era's fascination with spectacle. The commercialization of images like these raises questions about the commodification of art and celebrity. It also invites us to consider the social status of women in the performing arts. Were these women empowered by their fame, or exploited for commercial gain? To understand the historical context, one might research the history of tobacco advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social conditions of female performers during this period. Considering an image like this, we recognize that art is deeply embedded in social and institutional practices.