Minnie Maddern as "The Charmer," from the series Fancy Dress Ball Costumes (N73) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This small chromolithograph was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their Duke brand cigarettes. It features the actress Minnie Maddern, known for her roles in melodramas, costumed as "The Charmer" for a fancy dress ball. The image presents a vision of femininity that is both enchanting and unsettling. Maddern is adorned with snakes, creatures often associated with temptation and danger, challenging the traditional representation of women as passive and innocent. The title "The Charmer," evokes the biblical story of Eve, linking Maddern to the archetype of the seductive woman. During the late 19th century, the rise of industrial capitalism coincided with evolving social and cultural norms, which offered women new opportunities but also placed them under increased scrutiny and judgment. Actresses like Maddern became public figures whose performances and personal lives were subject to intense interest. This image captures the complex relationship between women, performance, and societal expectations. It reflects the anxieties and fascinations surrounding female agency during a period of rapid social change.