Alice Hood as Turkish Jewess, from the set Actors and Actresses, Second Series (N71) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1890

W. Duke, Sons & Co. created this lithograph titled *Alice Hood as Turkish Jewess* as part of their second series of actors and actresses cigarette cards. These cards were immensely popular, offering a glimpse into the glamorous, yet often distorted, world of theater and celebrity. This image of Alice Hood is particularly interesting because it speaks to the orientalist fantasies prevalent during the late 19th century. The portrayal exoticizes Hood, dressing her in garb associated with “Turkish Jewess” identity, a construct often used to highlight perceived differences and otherness. These cigarette cards, while seemingly innocent, helped to disseminate stereotypes and reinforce social hierarchies. They offer a window into the complex interplay between entertainment, identity, and cultural perception in America at the turn of the century.