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

This is a promotional cigarette card of Ullie Akerstrom, from the Actors and Actresses series, made around the turn of the century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. During this time, the rise of mass media and consumer culture saw corporations using imagery of actors and actresses to promote their products. The theater was a powerful cultural institution, and actors were among the first celebrities. By associating their brand with these figures, tobacco companies sought to enhance their appeal and reach a wider audience. This card provides a glimpse into the relationship between commercial interests, celebrity culture, and the visual arts in the United States at the time. These cards can tell us much about the culture and media of the time, so historical archives and media studies can help us better understand the social context of this intriguing artifact.