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

This is a promotional card featuring the actress Paullin, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century to advertise Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards were a common marketing tool, reflecting the burgeoning advertising industry and the increasing popularity of tobacco. The image of Paullin, a public figure, links glamour and celebrity to the consumption of cigarettes. Consider the social context: the rise of mass media, the changing role of women in society, and the pervasive influence of advertising. Duke, Sons & Co. later became part of the American Tobacco Company, a powerful monopoly. Understanding this history requires archival research into the business practices of the time, studies of consumer culture, and analysis of gender representation in advertising. The meaning of this card lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its role within broader social and economic structures. Art history, in this case, becomes a study of cultural artifacts and their place in society.