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

This is a photograph of Mlle. Rositi, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of a series to promote Duke Cigarettes. The sepia tone imbues the image with a sense of nostalgia, framing Rositi in a soft, almost dreamlike manner. The composition emphasizes a theatrical presence through the use of carefully arranged elements. Note the contrast between the sharp lines of her fan and the fluid drape of her shawl. This juxtaposition creates a sense of dynamism, hinting at performance. The shawl's fringes add texture, drawing the eye across the figure. Consider how the image functions as a sign. Rositi's pose, complete with fan and decorative shawl, evokes an exotic 'otherness'. This was a common trope in popular culture at the time, reflecting a fascination with the unfamiliar. Yet, by distilling such cultural codes into a small, repeatable format, the image also commodifies identity, turning it into a consumable product. Ultimately, it is the tension between Rositi’s individual presence and her role as a cultural symbol that invites ongoing interpretation.