Card Number 108, Belle Urquhart, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 108, Belle Urquhart, is a promotional card from the Actors and Actresses series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes between 1870 and 1920. It is a potent reminder of the historical intertwining of commerce, entertainment, and the construction of celebrity. This card encapsulates the vaudeville era, where performers like Belle Urquhart entertained diverse audiences, often blurring the lines between theatre and spectacle. The card showcases Urquhart in costume, reflecting the performative aspects of identity and the commodification of the female image during this period. These cards contributed to the widespread circulation and consumption of images, shaping perceptions of beauty, talent, and fame. Consider how Urquhart's pose, attire, and the very act of mass reproduction contribute to the complex dynamics of representation, where individual identity intersects with broader cultural narratives. Cigarette cards like this were more than just advertising; they were cultural artifacts that both reflected and shaped societal values.