[Actress wearing exotic costume], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photograph of an actress in costume was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. The image presents a performer in what was considered an exotic, ‘oriental’ style. The cultural references in the photograph are mediated through the lens of European and American theatrical traditions of the time. It's important to remember that cigarette cards like these circulated widely, shaping popular perceptions and reinforcing stereotypes. The company, Duke Sons & Co, later became the American Tobacco Company, which suggests the power of commercial institutions to shape cultural attitudes. Were these images progressive or conservative for their time? The answer depends on whose perspective we take. To understand the meaning of this card, we must consult not only art historical sources, but also popular culture ephemera and business archives. These resources help us to understand the complex social and institutional contexts that gave rise to it.