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

This is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, issued by Duke Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920. The card, made through industrial printing techniques, features an image of Mrs. Cleveland, likely aimed to add an aura of sophistication to the brand. The card's surface is smooth, a result of the printing process that allowed for mass production and distribution. This contrasts with unique artworks, highlighting the shift towards consumer culture during this period. The photographic image, once a novelty, now serves commercial purposes, blurring the lines between art and advertising. Consider the labor involved in producing these cards on a massive scale, from cultivating the tobacco to printing the images. It offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the late 19th century, where industrialization and marketing intersected, shaping both consumer habits and cultural values. This card demonstrates how everyday objects can reflect broader economic and social transformations.