Marie Jausen, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a carte-de-visite of Marie Jausen from the Actors and Actresses series, produced by Goodwin & Company of New York, around the late 19th century. These cards were originally collected by theatre enthusiasts as memorabilia, but soon became a marketing tool, included in cigarette packs. The card captures Jausen in costume. She is wearing a lace bonnet with a serious but gentle expression. The portrait is in sepia tone, which was common for the time period. These cards reflect the burgeoning celebrity culture of the late 19th century when actors and actresses became public figures whose images were widely circulated. It also reveals the rise of consumer culture and the increasing use of advertising to promote products. For historians, these cigarette cards are valuable primary sources that provide insights into the cultural and social history of the late 19th century. By studying them, we can better understand the role of celebrity, advertising, and popular culture in shaping society.