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

This is ‘Sundereggle, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes’ made by Goodwin & Company. It’s one of many cigarette cards which became popular in the late 19th century. Cards like these reflect the burgeoning entertainment industry and the commodification of celebrity. Note how Sundereggle’s pose, while suggestive, is also carefully managed. These images catered to a male gaze, but they also participated in constructing an idealized image of femininity for the broader public. Consider the cultural context: women in the public sphere, particularly actresses, were both admired and scrutinized. Cards like these offered a glimpse into their world but also reinforced certain expectations about their appearance and behavior. It’s a tricky negotiation of visibility and control. The intimate scale of the card invites a personal connection, but the commercial nature of its production reminds us that this is a carefully constructed image, mediated by the desires of both the industry and its audience.