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

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, featuring the actress Georgie Drew Barrymore, made in the United States sometime between 1870 and 1920. The commercial image offers a glimpse into the world of celebrity endorsements and the rising popularity of mass-produced goods. The card creates meaning through the visual codes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Barrymore, adorned in an elegant dress and elaborate hat, exudes an aura of sophistication and glamour. Tobacco companies hoped that consumers would transfer these qualities to their own self-image when buying Duke Cigarettes. These cards speak to the social conditions of their time, reflecting the burgeoning consumer culture and the increasing visibility of actors and actresses. By examining company archives, advertising ephemera, and social histories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural meanings embedded in this image. Ultimately, the meaning of this card is contingent on the historical context in which it was produced and consumed.