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

This is a photograph of Mlle. Joanne Hading, Paris, part of the Actors and Actresses series for Old Judge Cigarettes, produced by Goodwin & Company. The sepia tones and compact dimensions evoke a sense of intimacy. The composition is simple, with the actress centered, creating a clear focal point. The photographer’s use of lighting emphasizes the texture of her dress, illustrating a concern for materiality beyond mere representation. Her gesture, with a finger raised, invites a semiotic interpretation of the image. Consider the context of its creation: a cigarette card. What does it mean to elevate actresses to the level of collectable commodities? This collapsing of art, commerce and celebrity complicates the understanding of cultural values and the structure of fame. The interplay of the Old Judge Cigarettes name with the image poses questions about representation, consumer culture and the construction of identity in the late 19th century.