Card Number 545, Ellen Rositer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

Card Number 545, Ellen Rositer, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. The subdued sepia tones give the card a nostalgic air, emphasizing the sitter's soft features and the flowing lines of her classical attire. The composition is carefully structured. Rositer's gaze, directed slightly off-center, intersects with a backdrop of contrasting textures. This creates a visual tension between the smoothness of her skin and the ornate patterns surrounding her. The text at the bottom grounds the image in its commercial context, a bold declaration of the brand's superiority, a claim embedded within the aesthetics of portraiture. The card operates as a sign, where Rositer's beauty and poise symbolize the aspirational lifestyle associated with the cigarette brand. The very act of distributing such cards blurs the boundaries between art, commerce, and identity. The card’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a moment in time. The delicate balance between the artistry and advertisement continues to fascinate.