Mme. Cottrelly in Bride's Costume of Saille, France, from the set Actors and Actresses, First Series (N70) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This card, from the late 19th century, made by W. Duke Sons & Co., shows Madame Cottrelly in a bride's costume of Saille, France. It was printed as a promotional item for Duke brand cigarettes. These cards were made using lithography, a process that allowed for mass production of color images. This technique democratized image-making, as the detailed illustrations could be reproduced quickly and cheaply. Yet, while this made art more accessible, it also intensified the relationship between art, labor, and consumption. The image of Madame Cottrelly in her traditional wedding garb becomes a commodity, packaged with cigarettes and traded as a collectible. The card provides a glimpse into the culture and customs of Saille, but it also speaks volumes about the industrial processes and capitalist strategies that shaped the late 19th century. Understanding the relationship between these factors allows us to appreciate the full meaning and significance of this small but telling object.