Card Number 511, Belle Urquehardt, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 511, Belle Urquehardt, part of the Actors and Actresses series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. These cards existed within a burgeoning culture of celebrity, and this image speaks volumes about the construction of femininity and fame during this period. Urquehardt is posed demurely, her gaze lowered, embodying the ideal of feminine grace and beauty expected of actresses. These cards were collected and traded, creating a shared visual culture. It's fascinating to consider how these images shaped perceptions of beauty, success, and identity, particularly for women navigating the constraints and opportunities of the late 19th century. The mass production and distribution of these cards also reflect the rise of consumer culture, where identity becomes intertwined with the purchase and display of commodities. It offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between commerce, celebrity, and the construction of social identities at the time.