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

This small card featuring Lois Arnold was printed by W. Duke Sons & Co. in the late 19th century as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. At the time, the tobacco industry was booming, and companies used innovative marketing strategies to capture consumers' attention. These cards, part of a larger series featuring actors and actresses, offered a glimpse into the popular culture of the era. The image of Lois Arnold, likely a stage performer, speaks to the growing celebrity culture and the public's fascination with the entertainment world. In the late 1800s, theatre was a major form of entertainment, and actors held a prominent place in society. Duke used this cultural landscape to their advantage, associating their product with the glamour and appeal of the stage. To understand the full impact of these cards, one might delve into advertising history, exploring how tobacco companies used imagery and celebrity endorsements to cultivate brand loyalty. We can also research Lois Arnold herself, uncovering her contributions to the theatre and her role as a public figure. By examining the social and institutional contexts, we gain a richer appreciation for the power of art as both a reflection of and a participant in its own time.