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

Goodwin & Company created this small promotional card for Old Judge Cigarettes, featuring Lulu Kerker, an actress of the late 19th century. These cards were part of a larger marketing strategy to attract consumers by associating their product with the glamour and popularity of stage performers. In the image, Kerker is dressed in what appears to be a theatrical costume, perhaps from one of her roles. The backdrop seems to evoke an exotic or classical setting, enhancing the sense of drama and escape associated with theater. This card reflects the cultural values of its time, where actresses were both celebrated and scrutinized, embodying ideals of beauty, talent, and public persona. The distribution of these cards also speaks to broader societal trends of the era, including the rise of consumer culture and the increasing visibility of women in the public sphere, albeit within carefully constructed roles. While seemingly a simple advertisement, the card is deeply embedded in the complex social dynamics of gender, performance, and commercialism of its time.