Portrait of actress in profile facing right, from the Transparencies series (N137) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1884 - 1890

This portrait of an actress was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of the Transparencies series to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco. These cards were a cultural phenomenon from the late 19th to the early 20th century, reflecting the era's fascination with celebrity and mass media. The actress, shown in profile, embodies the romanticized ideal of feminine beauty prevalent at the time. Yet, the card’s function as a tobacco advertisement brings a certain tension to this image. It was meant to draw consumers, predominantly men, to associate the product with the actress’ beauty and fame. The actress's gaze, directed away, adds an element of mystery. In some ways, it seems to be a celebration of female identity, yet it simultaneously commodifies and contains it within the confines of early advertising. These cards give a glimpse into the complex interplay between celebrity, gender, and consumer culture.