Card Number 37, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 37, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series, a promotional cigarette card issued by Duke Sons & Co. in the late nineteenth century. These cards capture a moment in the cultural history of celebrity and commodification. Lillian Russell, a celebrated actress and singer, embodies the idealized image of feminine beauty and grace of the Gilded Age. Yet, her portrayal here is deeply embedded in the dynamics of commerce and consumption. The card functioned as a marketing tool, linking Russell's fame to the allure of Cross Cut Cigarettes. This connection highlights the intertwined relationship between entertainment, advertising, and the construction of identity during this period. What does it mean to see an individual's likeness used to promote such a product? While Russell’s image may have enticed consumers, it also raises questions about the objectification and commercialization of women in popular culture. This card is more than a simple advertisement; it encapsulates the complex interplay of fame, gender, and consumerism.