Card Number 325, Miss Beckwith, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This card featuring Miss Beckwith was one of a series of promotional cards for Cross Cut Cigarettes, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the 20th century. These cards, collected and traded, offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the United States at that time. The image of Miss Beckwith, an actress, creates meaning through visual codes of beauty and celebrity. In a society undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, the burgeoning advertising industry capitalized on the allure of actresses to promote consumer goods. This card reflects the growing commodification of the female image and the rise of celebrity culture. Further research into the archives of advertising history and theater ephemera of the period can shed light on the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of these images. By situating this card within its historical and institutional context, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.