Card Number 201, Dina Mars, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, part of the Actors and Actresses series, likely produced around the late 19th century. The card features a portrait of Dina Mars, composed within a narrow rectangular format. The sepia tones lend a sense of nostalgia. The actress's gaze meets ours, but her body is turned slightly to the side, creating a subtle tension. This compositional choice, positioning her both present and slightly removed, invites a sense of intimacy while maintaining a formal distance. Printed text at the bottom of the card, including the name "Dina Mars," the slogan "Duke Cigarettes are the Best," and the manufacturer's name, integrates text as a structural element of the overall design. The portrait and marketing message serve as a cultural sign, where Dina Mars' celebrity status is used to sell cigarettes. This conflation of art, celebrity, and commerce challenges established meanings, inviting ongoing interpretation within the framework of consumer culture.