Card Number 15, Rose Coghlan, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cameo Cigarettes by W. Duke, Sons & Co., featuring actress Rose Coghlan. The sepia tone flattens the image, emphasizing form over colour. We see a structured arrangement: the actress’s body is angled, creating a dynamic diagonal across the card. Her gaze is directed off-center, inviting the viewer's eye to follow, disrupting a straightforward, static composition. The text is placed asymmetrically, which adds a modern sensibility to the card. Here, the traditional portrait is subverted by its commercial function. The card is not merely a representation but a commodity, blurring the lines between art, celebrity, and consumerism. Consider the semiotic implications: Coghlan, as a famous actress, embodies glamour and aspiration, which are then transferred to the cigarette brand. As we observe this card, think about how it destabilizes established notions of value and representation, turning art into an element of commerce. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how the cultural values and social meanings could be manufactured through images.