Card Number 584, Mamie Edwards, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

Editor: Here we have a portrait card from the 1880s, "Card Number 584, Mamie Edwards," created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as an advertisement for Cross Cut Cigarettes. It's fascinating to see an actress being used to market cigarettes. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The commercial use of actresses is interesting indeed, especially in this era of emerging mass media. Cigarette cards functioned as both advertisements and collectibles, reflecting the growing popularity of tobacco and the increasing celebrity culture. It really points to the intersection of entertainment, consumption, and visual culture in the late 19th century. Do you think that Ms. Edwards had any say over her image being used this way? Editor: That's a great question. I imagine her agency was limited. I mean, was it common for actors to have control over their image in advertising at this time? Curator: Actors likely had less control over their image than they do now. It reflects the economic realities of the time. Emerging stars often relied on these types of opportunities to gain visibility. What is powerful, though, is how it indicates the public role and image were inextricably intertwined with economic value. This card represents a shift towards image-driven marketing and a star system shaping consumer behavior. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I had been considering this a simple portrait, but I realize there's a complex power dynamic at play that impacts the reception and intention of the work. Curator: Exactly. This small card illuminates larger trends about the industrial revolution and the social impact of image-making. Advertising not only promoted products, but actively participated in building an evolving public image, using the figure of the modern woman. Editor: This card really is more than just an advertisement; it is a cultural artifact. Thank you for highlighting how art can illuminate complex interactions and societal factors. Curator: Absolutely, and thank you for prompting this conversation about commerce, representation, and celebrity.