Card Number 200, Lillian Grubb, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 200, Lillian Grubb, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes. These cards were produced in the United States during the late 19th century, a time when the burgeoning tobacco industry sought innovative ways to market its products. By including collectible cards featuring popular actors and actresses, Duke aimed to associate their cigarettes with glamour, fame, and the allure of the stage. The image itself, a portrait of Lillian Grubb, reflects the aesthetics of the era, emphasizing beauty and elegance. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time, where celebrity endorsements played a significant role in shaping consumer behavior. To fully understand the significance of this card, one could consult historical archives, advertising ephemera, and theater programs. Such research sheds light on the complex interplay between commerce, entertainment, and the construction of identity in late 19th-century America.