Card Number 16, Miss Broughton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

Editor: Here we have "Card Number 16, Miss Broughton," a promotional print from the 1880s for Cross Cut Cigarettes. It’s really interesting to see how celebrity endorsements were already a thing back then. It kind of feels like an early version of an influencer post! What historical insights does this image offer you? Curator: This simple portrait actually illuminates a fascinating intersection of celebrity culture, advertising, and societal norms in the late 19th century. Think about it: a card featuring an actress packaged with cigarettes. What does that pairing say about the intended consumer and the perceived status of actresses at the time? Editor: So it's not just about selling cigarettes? Curator: Not at all. It's about associating the product with glamour, fame, and aspiration. The rise of mass media and mass production enabled companies like Duke Sons & Co. to reach broader audiences, and these cards became collectible items, creating a sort of social currency around the product. Consider also the accessibility of this image versus attending a theatrical performance. Who was more likely to see the image? Who went to plays? Editor: I never thought about that difference in accessibility! That makes me wonder about Miss Broughton herself. Did being featured on these cards change her career, for better or worse? Curator: Exactly! The image raises questions about agency, representation, and the construction of fame in a burgeoning media landscape. These cards offered visibility, but visibility on whose terms? What responsibilities did W. Duke, Sons & Co. have for that representation? Editor: That’s such an interesting way to think about it. I guess what seems like a simple advertising card opens up a whole can of worms about society and representation. Curator: Precisely. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous objects can be powerful historical documents, reflecting and shaping cultural values.