Card Number 70, Nellie Larkelle, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This card, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co., uses photographic and printmaking processes, to offer a glimpse into late 19th century advertising. The image of Nellie Larkelle, an actress, was mechanically reproduced on a small piece of cardstock, meant to be included in packs of Cross Cut Cigarettes. Consider the context of its making. The production of these cards relied on industrial processes, from photography to mass printing, and links to labor. Tobacco farming, cigarette manufacturing, and the printing industry all involved extensive workforces. The actress herself was also 'product', her image commodified to promote consumption. The card's small size speaks to its purpose: a collectible item intended to encourage repeat purchases. It represents a convergence of entertainment, advertising, and the everyday habits of consumers. Looking at it, we can recognize how ‘low’ materials such as cardstock, combined with popular imagery, played a key role in shaping cultural values, blurring boundaries between commerce, art, and entertainment.