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

This is Mlle. Bascort, a promotional image produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century to promote Duke Cigarettes. Here, an actress named Mlle. Bascort is seated on a fringed stool. While she appears demure, her corset and pose hint at the commodification of the female form during the era. The image offers a glimpse into the intertwined histories of advertising, entertainment, and gender roles in the late 19th century. Cigarette companies like Duke, Sons & Co. often used images of actresses and other performers to associate their products with glamour and sophistication. But what does it mean when a woman’s image is used to sell a product that ultimately harms the body? This card isn’t just an advertisement; it’s a cultural artifact that provokes questions about representation, agency, and the complexities of being a woman in the public eye.