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

This is 'Schaefer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes,' by Goodwin & Company. The monochrome print presents a theatrical portrait. An actor, adorned in costume, is captured against a painted backdrop, evoking the stage. The composition emphasizes a vertical orientation, framing the subject in a full-length pose. The actor's stance, with hands gently clasped and eyes directed towards the upper right, creates a sense of anticipation. The costume's fringed edges add a textural contrast to the otherwise smooth tones of the print. The use of photography in commercial cards reflects a broader cultural shift towards mass production and the commodification of celebrity. This print, with its theatrical staging and emphasis on image, blurs the lines between art, advertising, and identity. It reflects the structural interplay between performance, representation, and consumer culture.