Grace Seavey, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This cigarette card, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents us with an image of the actress Grace Seavey, set against a backdrop of ornate drapery. This backdrop, reminiscent of a theatrical curtain, speaks volumes. The use of drapery, as a compositional element, hearkens back to classical portraiture. In ancient times, drapery signified status, virtue, and even divine favor. Think of Roman sculptures, where togas denote citizenship and authority, or Renaissance paintings, where flowing robes cloak religious figures in reverence. Here, in this humble cigarette card, the drapery serves to elevate the actress, imbuing her with an aura of sophistication and allure. It hints at a connection to something timeless. The intention is clear: by associating their brand with such imagery, the manufacturers sought to imbue their product with a sense of refinement and desirability. The seductive nature of this product demonstrates how cultural memory is not static, but rather a dynamic force, continually reshaped by societal desires and commercial interests.