William Crane in a Russian Costume of the 17th Century, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This is a chromolithograph trading card of William Crane in Russian costume, created around the turn of the 20th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The composition is dominated by Crane's figure, framed by a decorative border, focusing our attention on his ornate attire. Note the artist's skillful use of color, where the reds and golds of the costume contrast sharply with the muted background, emphasizing texture and material. The verticality of the image, accentuated by Crane's tall fur hat, adds a sense of formality. Here, the artist explores the semiotics of costume, where each element—the cut of the robe, the embroidery, the fur hat—functions as a signifier of status and cultural identity. These cards functioned within a larger cultural economy, where images circulated as commodities, shaping perceptions and desires. This chromolithograph is not merely a portrait but a complex interplay of representation, commodity culture, and the construction of identity.