[Actress posing with hand over head], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This card was made around 1890 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., using photographic techniques to reproduce images on a small scale. It's part of a series of cards distributed with Duke Cigarettes. The card's sepia tone and slightly faded quality speak to the industrial processes of mass production at the time. Photography allowed for the creation of multiples and the distribution of images as promotional material, intertwining art with commerce. The choice of an actress as the subject reflects the growing celebrity culture and the use of images to sell products. The card’s size and material embed it in the everyday lives of consumers. The wear and tear on the card further tell a story of circulation and exchange, marking it as both a collectible item and a disposable piece of advertising. Looking at this card, we can consider how photography democratized image-making and redefined the boundaries between art, advertising, and popular culture.