Card Number 300, Annie Robe, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke Cigarettes, featuring actress Annie Robe, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1870 and 1920. The image connects the glamour of the stage with the everyday act of smoking. In the late 19th century, cigarette companies used images of popular actresses to market their products, tapping into the growing celebrity culture and the widespread fascination with the theater. These cards, distributed in cigarette packs, not only advertised a brand but also created a collectible series that encouraged repeat purchases. The actresses were often idealized and romanticized, reflecting the beauty standards and cultural values of the time. By examining company records, advertising strategies, and the careers of the featured actresses, we can better understand the interplay between commerce, art, and popular culture in this period. It’s a reminder that art is deeply embedded in its historical and institutional context.