Card Number 390, Selina Delaro, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke's Cameo Cigarettes, featuring actress Selina Delaro, printed around 1900. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic air, emphasizing the textures of her clothing and the soft gradations of light across her form. Delaro’s pose, with hands confidently on her hips, creates a dynamic tension between approachability and theatrical display. The composition balances the figure against a blurred backdrop, drawing attention to the textures of the floral details and the geometric lattice. These elements frame Delaro, enhancing her as the subject and signifier of the card's message. Her dress, an unconventional mix of a draped top and plaid shorts, hints at the evolving fashion and performance styles of the era. By intertwining Delaro's image with their product, Duke, Sons & Co. aimed to create a desirable association between the actress's allure and the consumption of cigarettes. The card thus functions on multiple levels, capturing a moment in popular culture while promoting a lifestyle through visual cues.