Mlle. Detchen, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is a monochrome photographic portrait of Mlle. Detchen, an actress, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a trade card to promote Duke Cigarettes in the late 19th century. The image shows the actress with her hair elaborately styled and a flower garland on her shoulder, suggesting a theatrical performance. It is a fine example of the use of visual imagery for commercial advertising in the late 19th century. This card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable artifact of the history of advertising and popular culture in America.