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

This small promotional card, made around the turn of the century by Duke Sons & Co., presents Mademoiselle Enseuras, an actress, cradling a cat. These cards were distributed to promote Duke Cigarettes, revealing much about the era's culture and societal values. At the time, actresses were among the few women who achieved public recognition, though they often faced scrutiny regarding their respectability. Here, Mlle. Enseuras is carefully posed to convey an image of grace and refinement, essential for navigating the Victorian era’s complex social expectations. The inclusion of the cat softens her image, symbolizing domesticity and approachability, in a world where women were expected to embody both allure and innocence. These cards offer us a glimpse into the strategies employed to negotiate fame and femininity. They highlight the balancing act women performers faced as they navigated public life. The intimate scale of the card invites a personal connection, yet it also serves as a reminder of the commercial forces shaping identity and representation.