Card Number 94, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This card, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1870 and 1920, features a portrait of the actress and singer Lillian Russell. It was included in a series of cards distributed with Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards provide a window into the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. The objectification of women, particularly actresses, was rampant. This card exemplifies how women were marketed alongside products like cigarettes, reinforcing societal expectations of beauty and femininity. Russell, a celebrated performer, was simultaneously admired for her talent and reduced to a mere image for consumption. It's hard not to think about the emotional labor performed by women in the entertainment industry, then and now, as they navigate the complexities of fame, beauty standards, and commercial interests. These cards offer us a glimpse into a bygone era and remind us of the persistent challenges women face in the struggle for agency and recognition.