Actress standing with hand on hip, from the Transparencies series (N137) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1884 - 1890

This small promotional card was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century to advertise Honest Long Cut Tobacco. These cards were originally packaged with tobacco products as a means of boosting sales. The card features a woman in theatrical costume. It’s likely that these cards offered not only a glimpse into the popular entertainment of the era, but also a reflection of the evolving roles of women in society. The actress here exudes confidence, her posture suggesting a departure from the demure depictions of women common in earlier periods. The costumes, often exoticized or romanticized versions of historical or cultural dress, presented a fantasy for consumers. These cards became highly collectible, offering insight into the cultural values, stereotypes, and aspirations prevalent at the time. As such, they provide a lens through which we can examine the complex interplay between commerce, representation, and identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.