Card Number 151, Geraldine Ulmer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 151, Geraldine Ulmer" was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century as a promotional item for Cross Cut Cigarettes. The sepia tone flattens the composition, emphasizing the interplay between light and shadow across Ulmer's face and elaborate hairstyle. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance, typical of the period's photographic portraiture. The composition is divided into distinct zones: the textual branding at the top, the central portrait, and the subject's name at the bottom, creating a structured hierarchy. What is most interesting is how these elements converge to create a semiotic system. The brand name suggests sophistication, the actress represents beauty and talent, and the formal portrait lends an air of respectability. Together, they imply that smoking Cross Cut Cigarettes is a path to refinement and cultural appreciation. In conclusion, the card is more than a mere advertisement; it is a carefully constructed tableau that reflects and reinforces prevailing cultural values.