Card Number 319, Miss Fox, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small promotional card titled "Miss Fox" was issued by Duke Sons & Co., around the turn of the century, as part of a series to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards were made during an era marked by rapid industrialization and evolving social norms, including shifts in the representation of women in advertising and popular culture. The image presents Miss Fox, an actress, seated in a somewhat provocative pose on a plinth advertising cigarettes. This conflation of female allure with consumer products speaks volumes about the commercialization of identity at the time. These cards were designed to be collected, traded, and even used in games, embedding consumerism into everyday social interactions. This piece offers insight into the historical construction of femininity and the marketing strategies that shaped consumer behavior during a pivotal period in American history. It’s a reminder of how deeply intertwined identity, commerce, and representation can be.