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

This carte de visite, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series for Old Judge Cigarettes, features Pauline Markham, a popular stage actress of the late 19th century. Created by Goodwin & Co. in New York between 1886 and 1890, the photograph showcases Markham in a theatrical pose, dressed in a flowing gown. The image captures the essence of Victorian-era portraiture, highlighting the individual's elegance and the artistry of the photographer. The card's small size and the cigarette brand's association with entertainment make it a fascinating artifact of both theatrical history and the marketing of consumer goods in the late 19th century.