Card Number 739, Erminie Vaughan, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is "Card Number 739, Erminie Vaughan," created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Cross Cut Cigarettes. The sepia tones and compact size immediately suggest its origins as a commercial artifact. The composition is carefully constructed. Erminie Vaughan is positioned off-center, yet her gaze meets ours, creating an immediate connection. The backdrop, with its floral motifs, contrasts with the geometric precision of the table, highlighting the interplay between nature and artifice, which were common in the 1890s. Consider the use of light and shadow. The soft, diffused light gently models Vaughan's features, while deeper shadows define the intricate carvings of the table. This subtle manipulation of light adds depth and realism to the image. The image thus challenges us to consider how representation and advertising intertwine, shaping perceptions of beauty and desire.