Annie Summerville, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card featuring Annie Summerville, part of the Actors and Actresses series, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the celebrity culture of the time, but also into how women were represented and consumed as commodities. Summerfield is posed, wearing an ornate short dress, feathered headpiece, and distinctive boots, embodying a performative identity crafted for the male gaze. The commercial nature of the card places her simultaneously as an object of desire and admiration. These cards were predominantly collected by men, reflecting the gendered dynamics of the era. The image captures a moment of visibility for women in the entertainment industry, yet it also highlights the constraints placed on them, defined by their physical appearance. It asks us to consider the complex interplay of fame, gender, and commerce in shaping public perception.