M'lle Alencon, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, likely made at the end of the 19th century, featuring an actress named M'lle Alencon. These cards were produced through industrial printing processes, using photography and mass production to create collectible images. The card's material—thin, coated paper—speaks to its function as a disposable advertising item, meant to be collected and traded. The sepia-toned photograph, a cutting-edge technology at the time, adds an aura of authenticity and celebrity glamour. These small cards were essentially miniature billboards, inserting advertising into the everyday lives of consumers. The act of collecting these cards also became a social activity, driving demand and brand loyalty. It’s fascinating how something so ephemeral could become a vehicle for both art and commerce, blurring the lines between high culture and mass production. It reminds us to consider the intricate relationships between labor, consumption, and cultural value embedded in even the most unassuming objects.