Card Number 87, Lydia Thompson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 87, Lydia Thompson" is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century. These cards were a product of their time, reflecting both the burgeoning advertising industry and the cult of celebrity. Lydia Thompson, a British actress, was famous for her "burlesque" style performances. These shows were risqué and satirical, often challenging Victorian social norms. Thompson's gender-bending roles and willingness to mock societal figures made her a sensation. The card captures Thompson in costume, embodying the theatricality and gender play that defined her career. Yet, it also reveals the complexities of being a woman in the public eye during this period. While Thompson enjoyed fame and fortune, her performances were often criticized for being too bold or unladylike. This card, then, is more than just a piece of advertising. It offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who dared to challenge convention, even as she was packaged and sold as a commodity.