Card Number 534, Adele Sisters, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This card featuring the Adele Sisters was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. These cards were part of a larger cultural trend in the United States, where the rise of consumer culture and mass media created new avenues for advertising. By associating their product with popular performers, Duke sought to enhance its appeal and reach a wider audience. The image itself is telling; the sisters are dressed in what appears to be theatrical attire, complete with swords, projecting an image of strength and allure. Understanding the appeal of the Adele Sisters and the strategies of companies like Duke requires us to look at sources such as theater programs, newspapers, and business records. The art here is embedded in its social context and becomes more meaningful when we consider its place in the history of advertising and popular culture.