Mlle. Radandja, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This small card, part of the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes, was created by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century. The sepia tones and the intimate scale invite a close examination. The composition centres on Mlle. Radandja, her gaze both direct and slightly tilted, framed by soft curls escaping from beneath a turban. Consider how the formal elements contribute to the image's meaning. The soft focus and tonal range lend a romantic, almost dreamlike quality, typical of photographic portraiture from this period. The layering of textures—from the fabric of her turban to the ornate details of her jewelry—create a visual richness that belies the card’s small size. This layering signifies the complex interplay between representation, commerce, and identity during a period of rapid industrialization and the rise of celebrity culture. In conclusion, the textural richness within this portrait acts as a window into a bygone era, reflecting the ways in which images mediated identity.