Agnes Miller Dressed as a Lady of France of 1794-1800, from the set Actors and Actresses, Second Series (N71) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1890

This chromolithograph was made by W. Duke Sons & Co. around 1890 as part of a series of cigarette cards portraying actors and actresses. Though small, these cards tell us a lot about the cultural values of the time. Note that the actress Agnes Miller is not presented in contemporary clothing, but in historical dress, specifically as a French noblewoman during the years of the French Revolution. In the late nineteenth century, there was a growing interest in historical accuracy in theatrical productions, which is reflected in this card. But it also tells us about a longing for a more romanticized past, removed from the industrialization of American life. The image also speaks to the increasing commercialization of leisure, as smoking became widespread, consumer culture expanded, and collectible cards became common. To better understand this image, we could look at theatrical history, the history of advertising, and the social history of smoking and its cultural associations. These resources allow us to understand art as contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was made.