Helen Dauvray as "The Pipe of Peace," from the series Fancy Dress Ball Costumes (N73) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This 1889 lithograph by W. Duke, Sons & Co. depicts Helen Dauvray as “The Pipe of Peace.” The image is from a series of trade cards featuring actresses in fancy dress, advertising Duke brand cigarettes. Dauvray, a popular actress, is shown in profile wearing a hat adorned with a pipe and other whimsical details, reflecting the lighthearted tone of the series. The card’s small size, typical for these types of advertisements, suggests a wide distribution and appeal to consumers. This piece is a captivating example of how commercial art intertwined with popular culture in the late 19th century.