Card Number 230, May Johnston, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This small card was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional item for Duke Cigarettes. The sepia-toned photograph captures the actress May Johnston, seated with flowers, arranged carefully within a tightly framed composition. The image is structured around contrasting textures and patterns. Johnston's elaborate costume and the ornate floral arrangement create a visual density, which is juxtaposed against the plain backdrop. The sharp lines of the architectural setting and the geometric patterns of her dress add an element of artifice, suggesting a deliberate construction of identity. The overall effect is one of controlled display, reflecting the cultural values and semiotic codes of the period, where image and performance were meticulously crafted for public consumption. This card not only promotes a product but also presents an idealized version of beauty and success, carefully packaged within the constraints of its format.