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

"Mlle. Rinaldi, Paris" is a carte-de-visite, or CDV, from the "Actors and Actresses" series produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. This evocative image, dating from 1886-1890, captures Mlle. Rinaldi, a Parisian performer, seated in a pose suggestive of her theatrical profession. The portrait, executed in the style of traditional studio photography, emphasizes her captivating presence and the details of her elaborate attire. The small size of the CDV, typical of the format, suggests its intended function as a collectible promotional item for Old Judge cigarettes. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, serves as a fascinating artifact from the history of both popular culture and advertising.