Card Number 2, Louise Montague, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is "Card Number 2, Louise Montague," a promotional card for Cameo Cigarettes, produced by Duke Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920. These cards, small and mass-produced, offer a fascinating window into the social and cultural values of their time. The image presents Louise Montague, a popular actress, her refined pose and elegant dress reflecting the period's ideal of feminine beauty. But it also hints at the burgeoning celebrity culture, where actresses endorsed products, blurring the lines between art, entertainment, and commerce. This card demonstrates the shrewd marketing tactics of the tobacco industry and the growing role of advertising. The social impact of tobacco consumption, of course, would become a contentious issue in later years. By exploring archives and theatrical records, we can uncover the historical context of the image and understand its meaning. This "card" reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum, but is intertwined with economic and social forces.