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

"Shaler" is a carte de visite from the "Actors and Actresses" series produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes between 1886 and 1890. The photograph depicts a woman, likely an actress, posed in a theatrical setting, suggesting the popularity of collecting celebrity images in the late 19th century. The small size and simple composition are characteristic of the genre, which was a popular form of portraiture during the Victorian era. These cards were often distributed with tobacco products as a form of advertising, reflecting the growing influence of commercialism on art and culture.