Card Number 235, Miss Thorp, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 235, Miss Thorp, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item for Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards, featuring actors and actresses, were hugely popular, offering a glimpse into the lives of public figures during a time of burgeoning celebrity culture. Miss Thorp is presented in a staged setting, meant to evoke a sense of beauty, but also accessibility. It is a window into how women, particularly actresses, were marketed and perceived. These images often reinforced ideals of femininity. Consider the context: the late 19th century was a period of rigid social norms, yet also one of increasing female visibility in public life. The actress, by definition, challenged the traditional roles of women, and this card straddles both worlds. It offers a sanctioned, idealized image but hinted at a life of performance and independence. What is Miss Thorp’s personal experience of being a commodity? How did that affect the creation of her own identity? This card, small as it is, opens up larger questions about gender, fame, and the gaze in a rapidly changing world.