Card Number 711, Miss Eugene, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

"Card Number 711, Miss Eugene," a promotional image for Cross Cut Cigarettes by Duke Sons & Co., reflects the burgeoning commercialism of the late 19th century. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, offer a glimpse into the era’s fascination with actresses and performers. The image presents Miss Eugene in a theatrical pose, her attire a pastiche of classical and contemporary styles. While ostensibly celebrating female performers, these cards often participated in the objectification of women, reducing them to idealized, marketable images. Consider the power dynamics at play. Duke Sons & Co. profited from the commodification of both tobacco and female images, catering to a predominantly male consumer base. Miss Eugene's individual identity is subsumed by her role as a promotional figure. The card invites us to reflect on the historical intersections of commerce, gender, and representation. What does it mean to consume an image of a performer alongside a product like cigarettes? How does this conflation shape our understanding of both the performer and the consumer?