[Actress holding teacup], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photographic print of an actress holding a teacup was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920 as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. The image speaks volumes about the social and cultural landscape of the time, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and the increasing use of celebrity endorsements in advertising. Actresses, like the one depicted here, were idealized figures, and associating them with a product like cigarettes lent an air of glamour and sophistication. This points to the institutional and economic structures that helped shape the production and reception of art. Understanding this image requires looking at the social conditions that shaped artistic production, asking questions about the politics of imagery and the public role of art. By consulting archives and delving into the history of advertising and consumer culture, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.