Card Number 176, Mary Anderson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 176, Mary Anderson, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century, part of a series promoting Cross Cut Cigarettes. This small card presents a sepia-toned portrait of actress Mary Anderson in profile, her features softened by the photographic technique of the time. Note how the composition is split between text and image, a semiotic dance between commerce and celebrity. The graphic elements, such as the stylized typeface of the cigarette brand and the card number, create an interesting structural tension with the more organic lines of Anderson's feathery hat and flowing gown. The limited tonal range emphasizes form and contour rather than depth, flattening the image and turning the actress into a sign. Anderson's gaze directs us beyond the frame, suggesting a world of theater and public adoration. The card functions as a matrix, inviting the viewer to decode the layers of meaning embedded within its structure. It is not just a promotional item, but also a cultural artifact, reflecting the era's fascination with fame and the burgeoning advertising industry.