Actress wearing red pointed cap, from Stars of the Stage, Second Series (N130) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

This lithograph, made around 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., presents a vibrant actress, likely for tobacco advertisement, adorned in striking reds and blues. Her crossed arms and direct gaze exude confidence against a soft, blurred landscape. The composition pivots on color contrasts. The brilliant red cap and fringed skirt draw the eye, acting as visual anchors that are balanced by the cool blues of her top and shoes. This interplay creates a dynamic tension, amplified by the theatrical costume. This is a semiotic interplay between the performer and her role, each enhancing the other's visual impact. The actress's pose, centrally located and framed by a hazy background, positions her as both subject and object of spectacle. Her confident stance challenges conventional interpretations of performance, inviting the viewer to consider the layers of representation inherent in stagecraft and its portrayal in commercial art. The lithograph prompts us to consider how visual elements intersect with cultural narratives, creating complex readings within the scope of advertising and performance.