Card Number 210, Miss Theo, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This photographic print of “Miss Theo,” was produced around the late 1880s in the United States, and was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. The image captures a moment in the cultural history of celebrity, advertising, and mass media. These cards were among the first to use the relatively new medium of photography for advertising. This was a time when the marketing of tobacco products was becoming increasingly sophisticated. By associating their brand with popular actresses like Miss Theo, the company aimed to create aspirational appeal and connect with a broader audience. The theatrical garb of the sitter lends an air of sophistication and the black background accentuates the text that advertises the product. The image also provides a snapshot of the entertainment industry at the time, offering insight into the types of performers who were popular and how they were presented to the public. To fully understand the cultural significance of this image, we can research popular theatrical styles, advertising strategies, and social attitudes toward tobacco in the late 19th century. This card reminds us that art and commerce are deeply intertwined.