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

This is a portrait of Clara Ellison, a prominent actress, from the "Actors and Actresses" series of trading cards produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes in the late 19th century. The sepia-toned photograph shows Ellison in a simple white garment, her face framed by dark hair and a white bow. This type of trading card, often featuring popular figures of the time, was a common promotional strategy for tobacco companies during this period. The image is a small, intimate portrait, capturing Ellison's beauty and captivating gaze. This artwork can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.