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

This is a photographic print of the Dunn Sisters, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, issued by Duke Sons & Co. The sepia tones of the photograph lend a vintage feel, emphasizing texture and form. The composition focuses on the faces of the three sisters arranged in a pyramidal structure. This classic arrangement draws the eye upwards, creating a sense of unity between the subjects. The use of light and shadow models their features softly, highlighting the contours of their faces and the texture of their hair. The photograph, designed as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes, operates as a sign. The actresses, as cultural figures, are linked to the product, using their images to bestow value upon the brand. The sisters embody ideals of beauty and celebrity, which were subtly transferred to Duke Cigarettes. This interplay between image, celebrity, and commodity encourages us to consider how meaning is constructed through visual culture.