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

Goodwin & Company produced this card of Lily Elton, from the Actors and Actresses series for Old Judge Cigarettes, as part of a larger set during the late 19th century. The sepia tones and small format draw us into a contained world, one that blends the glamour of the stage with the everyday act of smoking. Focusing on its structure, the photograph is divided into distinct zones. The foreground is dominated by Lily Elton, posed informally. Behind her, the backdrop suggests a theatrical setting. The overall composition is carefully constructed, with the actress positioned to draw the eye upwards, encouraging a reading of the advertisement at the bottom. The choice of sepia is significant, lending a nostalgic air that speaks to the values of the time. It frames the actress as a public figure but also reinforces the connection between performance, identity, and the commodification of celebrity. This image engages with ongoing questions about representation, authenticity, and the spaces between public and private life.