Card Number 226, Daisy Stanley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is Card Number 226, Daisy Stanley, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-2) which was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes. These cards, which were produced in America between 1870 and 1920, are fascinating objects for those interested in the social and cultural history of the late 19th century. They weren't created in a vacuum; rather, they are embedded in a specific moment of industrial capitalism, mass media, and celebrity culture. Note the overt commercial function of the card. It's an advertisement, pure and simple. But it's also a cultural artifact, offering a glimpse into the world of popular entertainment and the cult of celebrity. The image of Daisy Stanley, an actress of the time, is carefully constructed to appeal to a broad audience, projecting a sense of glamour and sophistication. To fully understand this card, we might delve into archives to discover more about Daisy Stanley, the Duke tobacco company, and the broader history of advertising. We might also examine the social norms and values that shaped the production and reception of these images.