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

This photograph of Mlle. Carmen was printed by Goodwin & Company as a promotional insert for Old Judge Cigarettes. Made using albumen paper, a process that involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, the print has a distinctive sepia tone. Consider the way this image was made – not as a work of art, exactly, but as a collectible that would encourage brand loyalty. The choice of albumen paper speaks to its function: a relatively inexpensive process that allowed for mass production and widespread distribution in cigarette packs. The texture and sheen of the print contribute to its appeal, but it's the efficient manufacture and distribution that defines its cultural significance. These were meant to be traded and collected, which underscores the intersection of artistry, commerce, and everyday life.