Geraldine Ulmer as Turkish Peasant, from the set Actors and Actresses, Second Series (N71) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1890

This is Geraldine Ulmer as Turkish Peasant, a chromolithograph trading card produced around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. These cards were included in cigarette packs, a marketing strategy reflecting the commercialization and exoticism of the late 19th century. Ulmer, a white actress, is dressed in what's meant to be traditional Turkish attire, embodying an Orientalist fantasy prevalent at the time. The image raises questions about representation, identity, and cultural appropriation. How does the depiction of Ulmer as a "Turkish peasant" perpetuate stereotypes, and what does it say about the gaze of Western society towards the "Orient"? It's a reminder of the complex intersection of race, gender, and cultural identity, and how these are often mediated through the lens of power and commercial interests. The card invites us to reflect on the historical context in which it was produced, and the ongoing legacy of these representations in shaping our understanding of culture and identity.