Mrs. J.B. Potter, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Editor: Here we have "Mrs. J.B. Potter" from the Actors and Actresses series, created between 1886 and 1890 by Goodwin & Company. It’s an albumen print, likely used in advertising for Old Judge Cigarettes. It’s so small and delicate, yet striking. I'm curious about the context of using portraits of actresses to sell cigarettes. What can you tell me about that? Curator: This image is less about artistic expression and more about the socio-political forces at play. These cigarette cards, very popular at the time, were essentially trading cards. But consider this: why feature actresses? Think about the burgeoning cult of celebrity and the ways actresses represented modern ideals of beauty, success, and even… liberation, in a time of rigid social structures. Isn't that a fascinating paradox? Editor: It is! So the act of collecting these cards wasn’t just about the actress, but the aspirational lifestyle and status she represented. What about the ethics involved? Curator: Precisely. The circulation of these images contributed to the construction of celebrity and its consumer appeal, intertwined with the promotion of a product, often harmful. Did the actresses benefit, and to what extent did they control their image? Also consider the public role of women - were these cards progressive or merely exploitative? Editor: That's a really compelling perspective! It makes you wonder about the long-term impacts on both advertising and celebrity culture. Curator: It highlights how art, even in seemingly trivial forms like this card, reflects and shapes broader social trends. Understanding that dynamic helps us critically examine the visual culture around us today. Editor: This definitely gives me a new perspective on what seems like a simple portrait. I’ll look at these types of images with a much more critical eye from now on!