Card Number 518, Laura Wood, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, featuring actress Laura Wood. These cards, made from lightweight cardstock, were printed using industrial techniques to produce them on a massive scale. The relatively low cost of materials and simple printing methods speak volumes about their intended purpose: mass distribution. These cards weren't meant to be precious art objects, but rather disposable advertising tools. The company's name, prominently displayed, underscores the connection between celebrity culture and consumerism. The production of these cards involved a whole chain of labor, from the factory workers operating the printing presses, to the tobacco pickers, to the actresses themselves, all contributing to the functioning of a capitalist system. Looking at this card, it is easy to see beyond the surface and recognize the complex relationships between materials, manufacturing, and the rise of consumer culture.