Card Number 303, Frouivont, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 303, Frouivont, from the Actors and Actresses series made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes. The sepia tone and miniature format give this commercial card a delicate, antiquated feel. The actress, Frouivont, strikes a coy pose, leaning on what seems to be a balustrade, while holding a parasol. The composition is organized around contrasting textures, juxtaposing the smooth skin of the actress with the intricate details of her dress and the textured surfaces of the prop. This contrast in texture and tone reflects how the artwork is structured around the themes of performance and artifice that are common in commercial portraiture. Frouivont performs the role of a refined actress, while Duke's brand leverages her image to sell cigarettes. The card’s semiotic system uses Frouivont to encode notions of sophistication and allure, which are then transferred to the product. The card, ultimately, functions as a site where artistic and commercial interests intersect. It provides a glimpse into the cultural codes and economic practices of the time.