Miss Dulin, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This promotional card of Miss Dulin comes from a series made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to advertise their cigarettes. These cards, popular at the time, offer a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the late 19th century. Here, Miss Dulin, an actress, is presented as an object of admiration and aspiration. The choice of an actress for a cigarette card speaks to the rising status of women in the entertainment industry and the evolving ideals of beauty and fame. Yet, her image is also carefully curated, reinforcing traditional gender roles through idealized beauty and demure presentation. The card blurs the lines between art, commerce, and identity, inviting us to consider the complex ways in which personal identity is shaped by media representation and consumer culture. Though seemingly a simple advertisement, it reflects deeper societal trends related to gender, fame, and the commodification of identity. It prompts us to reflect on the ever-changing relationship between our public personas and private selves.