Card 638, Louise Paullin, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This card, from the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter, presents a photographic image of Louise Paullin in costume. The sepia tones give the card a sense of historical distance, highlighting the textures and details of Paullin’s attire. The composition focuses sharply on the figure, whose elaborate costume contrasts with the plain backdrop. Paullin’s pose, arms crossed, suggests a constructed image, part of a semiotic system where clothing signifies status and theatrical role. The card functions as both a commercial object, advertising Dixie Cigarettes, and as a cultural artifact reflecting the values and representations of the time. Consider how the formal elements—the contrast between the detailed costume and the plain background, the staged pose, and the limited color palette— work together to create a sign that can be interpreted in many ways. The material qualities of the card, its size and texture, also contribute to the experience, inviting close inspection and contemplation of its cultural role.