Actress wearing costume with sword and tri-cornered hat, from Stars of the Stage, Second Series (N130) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

Editor: Let’s take a look at "Actress wearing costume with sword and tri-cornered hat," a print made around 1891 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. You know, I find it kind of theatrical, but almost in a flat, cardboard cutout way. It's striking, but also feels a little…stiff? What do you make of it? Curator: Oh, it's a delightful little drama frozen in time! Think about what these trade cards were – pure marketing magic. Tobacco companies wanted something eye-catching, memorable. And what’s more exciting than the theater? I imagine a flurry of plumes, the swish of the sword... perhaps an early iteration of what we call a cosplay photograph? Does it inspire any narratives or connections? Editor: Hmmm, maybe it does. I see her more as an archetype rather than a character...almost as if she isn't necessarily meant to be "real," but she could be representative of women gaining some empowerment in the late 19th century. Are there clues within the card itself? Curator: Absolutely! The very presence of an actress in costume indicates a blurring of reality and artifice – her identity is intentionally constructed for a viewing public. What do you make of the sword? Of the fact that a tobacco company uses *this* to get more sales? Editor: Okay, I didn’t really notice before. But why her costume? This isn’t just ANY old costume – it's suggesting she's playing a traditionally male role, like a dashing pirate or cavalier. I'm surprised they sold cigarettes by advertising female power like that. Curator: See? Trade cards offer delicious social commentaries, miniature history lessons hiding in plain sight! It seems they also captured—and catered—to a new woman taking center stage in the 1890s. This image and that concept work really well to change how I saw this work. Thanks! Editor: Absolutely. A great piece – simple, but actually a fascinating snapshot of late 19th-century popular culture!