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

This small photograph of Mlle. Berny was produced in the United States by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century, as part of a series of collectible cards to promote Duke Cigarettes. The image presents a performer in costume, referencing an orientalist fantasy, popular at the time for both theatrical productions and advertising. The company aimed to associate its product with the allure of exoticism and the glamour of the stage. Through their wide distribution, these cards offer insights into the cultural values and aspirations of the period. Understanding this image requires us to look at the history of advertising, popular entertainment, and the cultural phenomenon of orientalism. By looking at newspaper archives, theatrical programs, and company records, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception. The meaning of this art is contingent on its social and institutional context.