Card Number 101, May Fielding, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 101, May Fielding, is a promotional card from the Actors and Actresses series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to advertise Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural values and commercial strategies of the time. The image of May Fielding, a stage actress, is carefully constructed to appeal to consumers. She is depicted in a manner that emphasizes her femininity, conforming to the era's beauty standards. The card reflects the increasing commodification of fame and the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising. What does it mean to have your image, your likeness, used to sell a product like cigarettes? However, there is a tension here. Actresses like Fielding were public figures, yet often faced social stigmas. Their profession, while glamorous, was not always considered respectable. This card, therefore, exists at the intersection of admiration, desire, and moral judgment, revealing the complex negotiations of women's identities in the public sphere. The card serves as a reminder of the intricate ways in which gender, class, and commerce were intertwined in shaping popular culture. It is a snapshot of a moment in history, inviting us to consider the lives and experiences of women who navigated the opportunities and constraints of their time.