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

This small card featuring Miss F. Henderson comes from a series of actors and actresses, produced around 1900 by the cigarette company, W. Duke, Sons & Co. Such cards were not simply advertisements; they offer insight into the cultural landscape of the time, particularly the burgeoning entertainment industry. These cards, distributed with everyday consumer products, democratized access to celebrity images, helping to fuel the emerging culture of fame. The actress's carefully styled hair and elegant dress speak to the visual codes of beauty and success promoted at the time. To understand this image better, we can look into theater history and advertising practices, exploring how actresses like Miss Henderson navigated their careers. It is also crucial to reflect on the political economy of tobacco and how it shaped culture. After all, the meaning of any artwork is tied to the complex web of its social and institutional context.