Card Number 175, Miss Devoe, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 175, Miss Devoe, from the Actors and Actresses series, printed by Duke Sons & Co. The photograph has been reproduced using photolithography on a small card. In this process, the image is photographically transferred to a printing plate, likely zinc or aluminum, allowing for the mass production of promotional material. Look at the monochrome tones, the subtle variations in light and shadow. These would have been carefully controlled in the darkroom. The photolithographic process allowed for nuanced tonal reproduction, making it an attractive option for commercial purposes. The card would have been produced in vast quantities. This card was included in packages of Cross Cut Cigarettes, incentivizing repeat purchases. The rise of consumer culture in the late 19th century saw an explosion in techniques like this. So next time you light up, think about all the labor and industry that is involved in that simple act.