Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This is a promotional cigarette card of Lillian Russell, the American actress and singer, printed by Goodwin & Company. Popular in the late 19th century, these cards offer insight into the cultural values and aspirations of the time. Russell, a celebrated performer, was an icon of beauty and femininity, embodying the Gilded Age's obsession with glamour. But underneath the surface lies the marketing of tobacco products which creates a complicated narrative. While Russell gained independence and fame through her career, this image was also used to sell cigarettes, revealing the complex relationship between women, commerce, and representation during this period. "I never smoked, so I will only pose with the cigarettes!" These cards reflect broader issues of gender, class, and consumerism. They invite us to reflect on how fame and celebrity are constructed and commodified, turning personal identities into marketable products.