From the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This small card featuring Alice Atherton was part of a series produced by Goodwin & Company, advertising Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the era's cultural values and the commodification of fame. The image, portraying Atherton in costume, reflects the period's fascination with theatrical personalities. However, it also reveals the complex intersections of gender, performance, and consumer culture. Actresses like Atherton, while celebrated, were also subject to intense public scrutiny and often judged by narrow standards of beauty and morality. The use of her image to sell cigarettes underscores how women's identities were frequently exploited for commercial gain. Consider how this seemingly innocuous card encapsulates the hopes, desires, and constraints of women in the performing arts during a transformative period in American history. It encourages us to reflect on the ever-evolving relationship between celebrity, consumption, and identity.