Mlle. Dentel, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, featuring Mlle. Dentel, an actress, and was likely produced in the United States sometime between 1870 and 1920. These cards existed in a fascinating intersection of consumer culture, celebrity, and the burgeoning advertising industry. They were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing tactic and often featured popular actresses, sports figures, or other public personalities. The photograph itself is a product of its time, reflecting the aesthetic preferences and social norms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mlle. Dentel's pose, dress, and hairstyle all speak to the prevailing ideals of feminine beauty and refinement. The card also reveals the increasing importance of visual media in shaping public perceptions and desires. Understanding this image requires us to consider not just its aesthetic qualities, but also its role within a complex network of economic, social, and cultural forces. We can research the history of tobacco advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the changing role of women in American society. These kinds of resources will offer a richer appreciation of the artwork.