Card Number 52, Lizzie Hight, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card, printed by Duke Sons & Co., presents Lizzie Hight, an actress of her time, promoting Cross Cut Cigarettes. Lizzie’s gaze holds a demure yet confident allure, typical of actresses portrayed in popular imagery. Her pose, with arms gently crossed, evokes a sense of classical composure. This gesture can be traced back to ancient Roman portraiture, where it symbolized virtue and restraint. Yet, in Lizzie’s image, it takes on a dual meaning. While it maintains an air of respectability, it also subtly hints at the intimacy sought by advertising. This duality embodies the complex dance between public image and private desire. The feather boa she is holding is also a powerful symbol that has morphed across centuries, going all the way back to the Egyptian goddess Maat, representing the connection to the divine and morality. Here it hints at the allure of the stage. Such symbols, steeped in history, engage viewers on a subconscious level, creating a powerful connection that transcends time.