Card Number 337, Bardell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card was made around 1900 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. It’s one of a series of actors and actresses. The image presents a costumed figure, named 'Bardell,' smoking a pipe. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, offer a glimpse into the cultural and economic landscape of the time. Tobacco companies were pioneers in advertising, using collectible cards to build brand loyalty. Note how the figure's theatrical garb hints at the burgeoning entertainment industry, while also reflecting the gender norms of the era. The figure's confident pose, coupled with the act of smoking, projects an image of sophistication and allure that was very effective in popular culture. To fully understand this image, we could delve into the history of tobacco advertising, the rise of celebrity culture, and the social conventions surrounding gender and performance at the turn of the century. Only then can we can appreciate the complex interplay of commerce, culture, and identity that this card embodies.