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

Eva Selbie, from the Actors and Actresses series, was issued by Duke Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. This photograph, like many from the series, offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the late 19th century when the burgeoning entertainment industry intersected with consumer culture. Eva Selbie, an actress, is captured in a staged, theatrical pose, embodying the ideals of femininity and glamour that were popular at the time. These images reinforced the cultural norms surrounding women in the public sphere, while simultaneously creating opportunities for them to gain visibility and recognition. The commodification of actresses through cigarette cards raises questions about the objectification of women and the role of advertising in shaping perceptions of identity and worth. The distribution of these cards also speaks to the democratization of art and celebrity, making images of performers accessible to a broader audience. What does it mean to hold the image of a person in the palm of your hand, a person whose labour is also for sale?