Josephine Hall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This card, featuring Josephine Hall, was mass-produced by Duke Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. It's a reminder that even images can be commodities, and that photography, like tobacco, was thoroughly industrialized by the end of the 19th century. The card's sepia tone reflects the relatively simple photomechanical processes of the time, likely a combination of photography and lithography. It was made to be collected; part of a set. Note the size: easily slipped into a cigarette pack. This reflects not only advances in printing technology, but also the rise of consumer culture. The image itself is a study in the performance of identity. Josephine Hall, the actress, presents herself for our consumption, much like the cigarettes being advertised. In her carefully chosen garments and pose, she embodies the aspirations and desires of the time. Considering the context, we see how this seemingly simple card is a complex artifact, embodying the intersections of industry, art, and commerce.