Fanny Davenport as a Russian Lady of the 12th Century, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This chromolithograph of Fanny Davenport dressed as a Russian Lady of the 12th Century was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional card for their brand of cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a fascinating glimpse into the performance and representation of identity. Here, we see Davenport, a famous American actress, embodying a character rooted in a romanticized and generalized notion of Russian aristocracy. This card reflects the cultural fascination with "exotic" identities. During this period, theater was a space where gender, class, and race could be explored and often exaggerated. Davenport's portrayal invites us to consider the ways in which performers negotiate the boundaries of identity. She both embodies and performs an interpretation of Russian identity. Consider how this image plays into fantasies of nobility and otherness, while also reflecting the complex relationship between performance, identity, and commercial culture.