Card Number 99, Alma S. Stanley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-4) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Duke's Cameo Cigarettes, featuring actress Alma S. Stanley, made in the United States in the late 19th century. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, capitalizing on the popularity of actresses and the burgeoning consumer culture. The image of Alma Stanley creates meaning through several visual codes, which are reflective of its time. Her elegant dress, elaborate fan, and theatrical pose all suggest a certain level of sophistication and glamour. These images of actresses were not just about selling cigarettes; they were selling an aspirational lifestyle tied to celebrity culture. In understanding this artwork, the historian considers the economic structures that made mass production and advertising possible, as well as the social norms around gender and celebrity. Research resources such as trade journals, marketing archives, and biographical information about Alma S. Stanley can provide valuable context. Ultimately, this card serves as a reminder that art is contingent on its social and institutional context.