Card Number 1, Irene Varonia, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This small card was produced in the United States by W. Duke Sons & Co., sometime between 1870 and 1920, to promote Cameo Cigarettes. It features actress Irene Varonia and it exemplifies the commercialization of celebrity culture. The image presents Varonia in a theatrical pose, her costume suggesting a role rather than everyday attire. Tobacco cards such as this one coincided with the rise of mass media and advertising. The commodification of images of actors and actresses helped to blur the boundaries between art, entertainment, and commerce. Cigarette companies understood the power of celebrity endorsements to increase brand recognition and appeal to consumers. These cards also reflect the cultural values and social norms of the time, including the idealization of beauty, and the fascination with the performing arts. To fully understand the significance of this card, we need to look into the history of tobacco advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social context in which it was produced and consumed. Examining archives, periodicals, and other primary sources can help us understand the cultural meanings embedded in seemingly simple images.