Eme Lascells, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke’s Cameo Cigarettes, featuring the actress Eme Lascells, made around the turn of the 20th century. The sepia tone flattens the image. The actress stands in costume against a painted backdrop, creating a theatrical, almost dreamlike space. Her pose is confident, with one leg forward and a hand on her hip. The composition is divided into distinct planes: the backdrop, the figure, and the foreground. This layering creates a sense of depth, while the limited tonal range unifies the image. The text, "Duke's Cameo Cigarettes," is rendered in a flowing script, adding a touch of elegance and brand identity. The card is a fascinating intersection of performance, commerce, and portraiture, capturing a moment in time when celebrity culture was emerging through mass media. Its formal qualities reflect a carefully constructed image intended to both sell a product and immortalize a performer.