Actress wearing striped bodice decorated with black and white pompoms, from Stars of the Stage, First Series (N129) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

This chromolithograph, a promotional card by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents an actress in a striking costume. The composition is dominated by the interplay of textures and patterns, from the striped bodice adorned with pompoms to the intricate details of the actress's hair. These elements combine to create a visually stimulating and dynamic image. The use of bold, contrasting colours is particularly noteworthy. The deep reds of the stripes and neck bow stand out against the softer tones of the actress's skin and the background. The artist's engagement with the semiotic system of signs is evident in the actress's adornments; it's a visual code of performance, identity, and cultural values. This card reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of its time by challenging fixed meanings and engaging with new ways of thinking about representation, particularly of women in the public sphere.