History of Sarah Bernhardt, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small booklet, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century, features actress Sarah Bernhardt as part of a series spotlighting figures who rose from poverty to fame, distributed with Duke brand cigarettes. Bernhardt, born in Paris in 1844, was one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. Here, she is adorned in a heavily jeweled costume and headpiece, complete with a sheer veil, likely from one of her many stage roles. The “Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People” series reflects the era’s fascination with celebrity culture and the “rags to riches” narrative, yet Bernhardt’s inclusion invites us to consider the complexities of fame, gender, and class. Bernhardt challenged societal norms through her unconventional lifestyle and androgynous stage presence. How might a figure like Bernhardt, who defied traditional expectations of women, be packaged and consumed within mass culture? This image makes me wonder about how society’s perception of success is often tied to visibility and commodification, and who is included or excluded from that narrative.