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

This small card was manufactured by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item inserted into packs of Duke cigarettes. It features a photographic portrait of the actress Alice Butler. These cards were part of a much larger cultural phenomenon. Actresses, athletes, and other celebrities became some of the first mass-produced images consumed on a national scale. In an era before radio and television, the craze for collecting these cards reflected a growing interest in celebrity culture and the rise of mass media. It also illustrates a shift in advertising strategies, where companies sought to associate their products with popular figures and aspirational lifestyles. The image itself, a somewhat blurry sepia-toned portrait, offers a glimpse into the visual aesthetics of the time. However, to fully understand its cultural significance, we have to consider the socio-economic context of the late 19th century, the rise of industrial capitalism, and the emergence of modern advertising. A deep dive into archival sources, like trade publications and company records, helps us understand better the function and meaning of the card within its original setting. This little object is an emblem of its time.