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

This photographic print of Dollie Norman, an actress, was made by Goodwin & Company as part of a series of promotional cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards reflect the cultural and social norms of the late 19th century, a time when advertising often used idealized images of women to market products. Dollie Norman's portrayal embodies the era's concept of feminine beauty, yet her profession introduces a layer of complexity. As an actress, she occupied a space where she could challenge and subvert traditional gender roles. The card presents her as both a subject of admiration and a commodity, packaged to sell cigarettes, which raises questions about female agency and representation. The emotional ambiguity in Norman's gaze, combined with the commercial context, invites reflection on the multifaceted roles women played in society. This image reflects a period where celebrity, commerce, and gender converged to create powerful, lasting images that continue to shape our understanding of identity and representation.