Card Number 228, Marie Burroughs, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is card number 228 from the Actors and Actresses series, a promotional item included with Duke Cigarettes, produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1870 and 1920. This card features Marie Burroughs, a prominent stage actress of the late 19th century. During this period, the rise of mass media and consumer culture intersected with evolving perceptions of women in the public sphere. Actresses like Burroughs became objects of fascination, their images circulating widely and contributing to the construction of celebrity. Burroughs embodies the era's ideal of feminine beauty: fair skin, delicate features, and an air of refined elegance. The soft focus and sepia tone enhance this romanticized image. However, these cards also highlight the complex relationship between women, commerce, and representation. While celebrated for their talent and beauty, actresses were also commodified, their likenesses used to sell products in a male-dominated market. These cards offer a glimpse into the cultural values and social dynamics of a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of images and the ways in which they shape our understanding of identity and desire.