Card Number 151, Fay Templeton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card, produced by W. Duke Sons & Co., presents Fay Templeton, an actress, as part of a promotional series for Cross Cut Cigarettes. The image captures her in theatrical attire, drawing upon the symbolic power of performance and spectacle to entice consumers. Consider the image of the actress as a modern-day Fortuna, goddess of luck and fate. Like Fortuna, often depicted in lavish attire, Templeton embodies the allure of success and fortune. The feathered hat and the ornamental details of her costume echo the symbolic language of status and allure. The performance extends beyond the stage: it's an orchestrated dance between commerce and culture. Just as Renaissance patrons used mythological imagery to legitimize their power, Duke Sons & Co. uses Templeton’s celebrity to elevate their product. We see here the cyclical progression of symbols, from ancient deities to modern celebrities, all employed to capture the viewer’s desires and aspirations. A potent blend of allure and aspiration, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, and revealing the enduring power of imagery across time.