Card Number 371, Louise Paullin, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This card of Louise Paullin was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century as a promotional item for Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards offer a glimpse into the celebrity culture of the time. Paullin, an actress, is presented here not just as an individual but as a commodity, packaged and distributed to enhance the appeal of a commercial product. This commodification was symptomatic of the burgeoning consumer culture in America during the late 1800s. The card itself is an example of the intersections between art, commerce, and entertainment. The Duke company were pioneers of mass production, and their use of celebrity endorsements reflects the growing power of advertising. Understanding this image requires delving into the history of advertising, the tobacco industry, and the entertainment business of the Gilded Age. We might consult business archives, theater programs, and census records to learn more about the social conditions that shaped this artifact and its place in the cultural landscape. In doing so, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art and society.