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

This carte de visite, created by Goodwin & Company between 1886 and 1890, features a portrait of actress Minnie Ward. The image is part of the “Actors and Actresses” series produced for Old Judge Cigarettes, which were popular trading cards of the time. Ward is depicted in a relaxed pose, seated on a rock with a wistful expression. The simple composition and sharp focus on her face highlight her delicate features, typical of the aesthetic of the late 19th century. This card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fascinating glimpse into the world of popular entertainment and advertising in the late 19th century.