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

This is Mlle. Cice, a promotional card from the Actors and Actresses series by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century, designed to be included in Duke Cigarettes packs. Notice how the monochrome tonality and the card's small format create an intimate viewing experience. The composition is simple: a portrait that invites you into a world of theater and performance. The soft focus and sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, typical of the period's photographic aesthetic. The image functions as a sign, embedding cultural codes and values of the time. As a semiotic system, it signifies celebrity, beauty, and the burgeoning culture of mass media. The formal aspects of the card – its size, material, and printing technique – were integral to its function as a collectible and advertising tool. Ultimately, the card is more than a portrait; it reflects the cultural values of its time, and how commercial interests shaped artistic expression.