Card Number 100, Rose Wilson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, circa 1870-1920, featuring the actress Rose Wilson. Observe the sword she holds, a symbol of power and command, yet here, its meaning is diffused, softened by the actress’s theatrical pose and attire. The sword motif echoes through history, from ancient depictions of Mars, the god of war, to Renaissance allegories of Justice, each wielding a sword to signify authority. Yet, within the context of this commercial card, the sword serves a different purpose. It alludes to the performative strength of women, hinting at the power they could possess, while remaining safely within the realm of entertainment. This interplay of symbolism—power depicted, yet contained—reveals our own psychological dance with cultural memory. We are reminded of potent symbols, only to find them domesticated, their edges softened for mass consumption. The image thus serves as a reminder of the continuous negotiation between archetype and contemporary context.