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

This 19th-century carte de visite, created by Goodwin & Company, features a portrait of actress Eleanor Lane. The photograph was likely produced as a collectible trading card for Old Judge Cigarettes, which were popular in the late 1800s. The sepia-toned image shows Lane in a formal dress, seated against a backdrop of an out-of-focus landscape. The card's diminutive size, typical of carte de visite format, would have made it a cherished memento for collectors of the era. These cards were a popular form of advertising and helped to solidify the connection between the brand and the star, offering a glimpse into the world of theater and popular culture.