Card Number 310, Gertrude Wheeler, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, dating from around the turn of the 20th century. It was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. and features Gertrude Wheeler, identified as one of the "Actors and Actresses." Wheeler's captivating gaze draws us into the complex dynamics of gender and performance. The card participates in a long history of objectifying women as commodities. Her exoticized attire and pose invite viewers into a world of fantasy and escape, while also reinforcing the prevailing cultural norms and expectations of the time. This tension speaks to a broader societal ambivalence towards women in the public sphere, particularly those who challenged conventional roles through their participation in the performing arts. The commercial function of the card cannot be overlooked, reminding us that representations of identity are often shaped by economic interests. The image becomes a vehicle for promoting consumerism and the pleasures associated with smoking. The image is both a reflection of its time and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's agency and representation.