Louise Paullin, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This cabinet card, a popular photographic format of the late 19th century, is part of a series produced by Goodwin & Company for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes featuring famous actors and actresses. It depicts Louise Paullin, a prominent actress of the era, in a theatrical costume. The card's simple composition and focus on Paullin's face and costume exemplify the style of portrait photography during this period, highlighting the subject and emphasizing their personality. The card's inclusion in a commercial series reflects the growing popularity of mass-produced ephemera and the increasing prominence of visual culture in late-19th-century America.