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

This is a promotional card from the "Actors and Actresses" series, made by Goodwin & Company in New York for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards, like trade cards and baseball cards, served as collectable advertisements inserted into cigarette packs. They offer us a glimpse into the popular culture of the late 19th century, reflecting the burgeoning entertainment industry and the social status of actors and actresses. Notice the way Johnstone Bennett is posed, perhaps referencing a specific role or theatrical style of the time. The card’s design, including the typography and layout, also speaks to the advertising strategies and visual culture of the period. Understanding this image requires delving into the history of advertising, theater, and the evolving role of celebrity in American society. Old Judge Cigarettes used celebrity endorsements to sell their products and the images became collectable, offering some social mobility to those who collected them. By consulting archives, theater ephemera, and advertising history, we can better understand its significance as a cultural artifact.