Card Number 634, Miss Werner, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 634, Miss Werner," was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. This card is a relic of the late 19th century, a time when advertising was rapidly evolving. The image of Miss Werner, an actress, dressed in what appears to be a stylized sailor outfit, offers a glimpse into the era's cultural norms. The hyper-feminized representation, intended to promote cigarettes, speaks volumes about the commodification of women's images. Her confident pose and alluring gaze hints at the complexities of female identity and performance of femininity at this time. The imagery may seem conventional, but it also suggests evolving representations of women in popular culture. Although seemingly simple, this card encapsulates the intersections of gender, commerce, and representation. It invites us to reflect on the historical construction of identity and the power of visual culture in shaping social perceptions, resonating with the ever present dynamics of today.