[Actress in full-length shows off ornate gown], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

Editor: This is "[Actress in full-length shows off ornate gown]" made between 1890 and 1895 by W. Duke, Sons & Co.. It's a photograph printed as a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes. The sepia tone gives it an antique feel, and she appears to be caught mid-performance. How do you interpret this photograph in its historical context? Curator: Well, it’s interesting to consider this image as a form of early advertising and the public role of actresses at the time. Think about the rise of consumer culture. Cigarette companies started using images of popular figures, like actresses, to associate their products with glamour and aspiration. The distribution of these cards with cigarette packs brought these public figures into the private lives of everyday people. Do you think the portrayal of the actress is empowering or exploitative? Editor: That's a good question. Her pose feels confident, but then again, she’s being used to sell cigarettes. It seems complicated. The dress and setting definitely communicate wealth. How might this portrait relate to discussions around gender and performance at the turn of the century? Curator: Exactly! The image participates in the social construction of femininity and fame. The ornate gown and theatrical pose emphasize spectacle and visibility, crucial aspects of an actress’s public persona. Furthermore, circulating her image as a collectible object reinforces her role as a commodity in a rapidly changing society. We see the seeds being sown for a culture obsessed with celebrity. Editor: It's amazing how a simple promotional card can reveal so much about societal values and the entertainment industry. It certainly makes me think about how celebrity endorsements work today! Curator: Indeed. Studying such objects reminds us how deeply interwoven art, commerce, and social values truly are, then and now. It’s all about critically assessing the politics of imagery.