Card Number 710, Dieudonni, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is card number 710 from the Actors and Actresses series, a promotional item made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to advertise Cross Cut Cigarettes in the late 19th century. Though seemingly simple, it presents a fascinating insight into the cultural landscape of the time. The image depicts an actress named Dieudonni, probably French, in costume, holding fruit next to a fruit cart. The scene and her costume evoke a sense of exoticism, transporting consumers into an imaginary space. It is meant to entice consumers and associate the cigarettes with a glamorous lifestyle. The popularity of these cards reflects the burgeoning consumer culture and the use of celebrity endorsements, even at this early stage, in advertising. To fully understand these dynamics, we can consult archival material from the Duke company as well as theater ephemera from the period. The meaning of a cigarette card lies not just in the image itself but in the complex interplay of commerce, celebrity, and cultural values.