Mlle. Roge, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This is "Mlle. Roge," a carte de visite from the Actors and Actresses series by W. Duke, Sons & Co., likely produced to promote Duke Cigarettes. The sepia tones and compact dimensions immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia and a bygone era. The composition is elegantly simple: a close-up portrait of Mlle. Roge with soft lighting that gently models her features. Her gaze is directed slightly upward, lending the image a dreamy, ethereal quality. The texture is smooth, typical of photographic prints of this period, with a fine grain that adds to its vintage charm. The image is interesting from a semiotic perspective. The actress becomes a signifier of sophistication and glamour which serves to enhance the appeal of Duke Cigarettes. It cleverly associates the product with the world of entertainment and celebrity. The portrait challenges fixed meanings by democratizing access to celebrity images through mass production, and reshapes cultural values by linking consumer goods with artistry and fame. Ultimately, the formal qualities of this carte de visite, from its tonal range to its intimate scale, function not just aesthetically but also as a reflection of broader cultural shifts in the late 19th century. It suggests a world where art, commerce, and celebrity are increasingly intertwined.