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

This small promotional card titled Griechen, was issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes around the turn of the 20th century. It belongs to a series featuring actors and actresses. The card offers a glimpse into the cultural values of its time. The depiction of the actress, Griechen, in classical garb evokes an idealized vision of femininity rooted in ancient Greek aesthetics. But consider how this image was consumed: tucked into cigarette packs, these cards were circulated widely, turning notions of beauty and artistry into commodities. The actress becomes a vehicle for selling cigarettes, her identity intertwined with the pleasures and perils of smoking. Such cultural artifacts offer a window into how identities, particularly those of women, were packaged and sold within consumer culture. This blending of art, commerce, and identity invites us to reflect on the complex layers of representation and commodification.