Card Number 362, Augusta Walkup, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

W. Duke, Sons & Co. created this promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, featuring actress Augusta Walkup, amidst a landscape of burgeoning commercialism and evolving societal roles. The card presents Walkup in theatrical garb, perched atop a rock, holding a flower; however, her agency is undercut by the card's primary function as an advertisement. This juxtaposition highlights the complex negotiations women in the public eye faced, balancing personal expression and commercial demands. The late 19th century marked a period of increased visibility for women in the performing arts, yet their representation was often mediated through a male gaze, reinforcing certain stereotypes while challenging others. This image is a poignant reminder of the negotiations between identity, representation, and commercial interests that continue to shape the lives and images of women today.