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

This small promotional card of Lizzie Webster, from the Actors and Actresses series, was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes in the late 19th century. During this period, the commodification of women's images through advertising was becoming increasingly prevalent. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, often featured actresses and performers, capitalizing on their popularity and beauty to market goods. Here, Webster's carefully constructed image, with her elaborate costume, evokes both allure and respectability, reflecting the complex social expectations placed on women. The commercialization of her likeness raises questions about agency, exploitation, and the gaze. The card speaks to the historical context of gender, class, and the emerging culture of consumerism. This image is a poignant reminder of the historical forces shaping the representation and perception of women in popular culture.