Card Number 171, Lizzie McCall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 171, Lizzie McCall, from the Actors and Actresses series, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards were a product of their time, reflecting the burgeoning advertising industry and popular fascination with actresses. They offered a glimpse into the lives and personas of women who captivated audiences on stage. McCall, adorned in a floral costume, poses in a staged setting. The commercialization of her image speaks to the commodification of female performers during this era. It raises questions about the agency these women had over their own representation. What did it mean for McCall to have her likeness mass-produced and distributed with cigarettes? Was it empowering, exploitative, or a complex mix of both? This card serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined histories of entertainment, advertising, and the evolving role of women in society.