Card Number 165, Dora Price, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-5) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cameo Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card of Dora Price, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The sepia tones give the image a vintage aesthetic, creating a soft, textured surface that invites close inspection. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the figure of Dora Price, who stands confidently in a theatrical pose. The contrast between light and shadow defines the contours of her figure, highlighting the intricate details of her costume. The symmetry within the piece balances the overt commercial nature with artistic ambition; this structure presents an idealized image of feminine beauty intended to capture consumer attention. The formal elements here – the balance of shadow, the deliberate composition and the texture– serve to construct and communicate ideals of beauty and value. This little card shows us the structures that shape our perceptions and desires are often embedded within the everyday objects.