Card Number 240, Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small photograph of Lillian Russell was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes sometime between 1870 and 1920. These cards were a form of advertising. Manufacturers included collectible cards in their products as an incentive to purchase. Here, the image of Russell presents an idealized vision of feminine beauty and celebrity, in an era where new types of mass media and entertainment were emerging. It suggests that the consumer of Cross Cut Cigarettes can participate in, and perhaps even attain, a similar level of sophistication. The card is therefore not just a portrait, but also a social artifact that speaks to the cultural values and aspirations of its time. To understand such images, it is important to look into advertising history, the popular culture of the time, and the biographies of the celebrities involved. By doing this, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.