[Actress dressed as cupid perched on prop column], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This albumen silver print, made around the turn of the 20th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co., is one of many from the "Actors and Actresses" series used to promote Duke Cigarettes. In this image, an unnamed actress dressed as cupid stands on a prop column, holding a flower in one hand and a bow in the other. It encapsulates a pivotal moment when the commercial and theatrical worlds collided, reflecting the evolving role of women in advertising and entertainment. These cards were immensely popular, offering a glimpse into the glamorous lives of stage performers. Yet, they also reflect the gendered nature of the entertainment industry, where women's images were often used to sell products to a male audience. The actress, adorned in a cupid costume, becomes a symbol of desire, subtly linking the allure of the stage with the pleasure of smoking. These images blur the lines between performance, identity, and consumerism, inviting us to consider how women navigated these complex dynamics. Consider the actress's gaze, her pose. In what ways does this image challenge or reinforce societal expectations of women at the time?