Card Number 392, Annie Bonneu, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This card from the Actors and Actresses series was issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. It’s a window into the intertwined worlds of entertainment, advertising, and consumer culture in America. Consider how the image creates meaning. Photography was becoming more accessible and the emerging advertising industry was quick to harness its power. Here, the image of Annie Bonneu is carefully constructed, designed to appeal to consumers. Her gaze, her pearls, the soft lighting – all contribute to an image of glamour and sophistication. This would have created a subtle association between the actress and the cigarettes being sold. This speaks to a particular moment in the history of advertising, where images of celebrities were mobilized to promote consumer goods. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the archives of advertising history and theater. By exploring such resources, we can better understand the complex social and institutional contexts that gave rise to images like this. It's a reminder that art, even in the form of a cigarette card, is deeply embedded in its time.