Mlle. Lucie Gerard, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This promotional card, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features Mlle. Lucie Gerard as part of the Actors and Actresses series to promote Duke Cigarettes. These cards, circulated between 1870 and 1920, provide a glimpse into the cultural values and marketing strategies of the time. Consider what it meant to be a celebrated actress during this period. Actresses like Gerard were among the first women to achieve public recognition in the burgeoning world of mass media. What burdens did this new found fame carry with it? This image also speaks to the commercialization of beauty and fame. Placed in a box of cigarettes, Gerard's image encouraged consumers to associate her allure with the product. It both celebrated and commodified female performers. The emotional impact of this piece lies in its quiet, contemplative nature. Gerard’s gaze evokes a sense of longing, while also underscoring the complexities of identity, celebrity, and commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.