Card Number 5, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 5, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards were immensely popular at the turn of the century and offer a glimpse into the cultural values of the time. Lillian Russell, a celebrated actress and singer, is depicted with an almost Madonna-like quality, wrapped in lace, her gaze both inviting and serene. This card encapsulates the complex interplay between celebrity, commerce, and the construction of female identity. Russell's image, carefully curated for public consumption, catered to societal expectations of women, while simultaneously celebrating her success in the public sphere. The card performs a delicate balancing act, portraying Russell as both an object of desire and a symbol of aspiration. What do you make of how Russell's persona reflects society's aspirations and expectations of women?