Mlle. Dupau, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This photographic print of Mlle. Dupau, a Parisian actress, was made by Goodwin & Company as part of a series of promotional cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. Produced in New York, sometime between 1850 and 1950, this image speaks to the commercialization of celebrity culture. The actress, adorned with a pearl necklace and headscarf, embodies a certain French sophistication that would appeal to the American consumer. Tobacco companies like Goodwin understood that by associating their products with glamorous figures, they could enhance their brand image and boost sales. This points to the rise of mass media and advertising, where images of performers were circulated widely, blurring the lines between art, entertainment, and commerce. To fully understand the significance of this image, we might explore the history of advertising, the cultural exchange between France and America, and the evolving role of women in the entertainment industry during this period. Ultimately, this cigarette card reminds us that art is always embedded in a web of social and economic relations.