Card Number 154, Jarbeau, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-1) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This small card, number 154 in a series, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These cards, collected by both men and women, offer a window into the popular culture of the time. Actresses like Jarbeau were among the celebrities whose images were printed on them. The commercialization of these images raises questions about the commodification of femininity and the gaze of the spectator, highlighting the complex interplay between entertainment, advertising, and gender. What does it mean to be seen and consumed in this way? While the image is seemingly benign, it reflects and reinforces societal attitudes towards women, their bodies, and their roles in the public sphere. These cards serve as a reminder of the historical objectification of women, and asks us to confront the power dynamics embedded within visual culture.