Card Number 116, Minnie Palmer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-6) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This card, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century, features actress Minnie Palmer and promotes Duke Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, revealing a lot about the social and economic conditions of the time. The image of Minnie Palmer, a popular actress, suggests the aspirations of the emerging middle class. The late 19th century marked a period of industrial expansion and growing consumer culture in the United States, with advertising becoming increasingly sophisticated. The use of actresses to promote products reflects the evolving role of women in the public sphere. These cards were collected and traded, becoming a form of popular culture. Historical research, including archival work and study of consumer culture, can help us understand how art is embedded in everyday life. By considering the historical context, we gain a richer understanding of how art reflects and shapes social values.