Mlle. Renain, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This carte-de-visite, part of the "Actors and Actresses" series, depicts Mlle. Renain, a Parisian performer, likely an actress or singer. Created by Goodwin & Company for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes, it exemplifies the trend of using celebrity endorsements for commercial purposes in the late 19th century. The image, printed in monochrome, showcases a simple yet elegant portrait, highlighting the subject's fashionable attire and alluring gaze. This collectible card, a testament to the evolving relationship between art and advertising, is a valuable artifact of the era.