Minnie Palmer, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Goodwin & Company created this lithograph card featuring Minnie Palmer, as part of the Actors and Actresses series for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. Dominating the composition is the window's dark frame, contrasted by the light falling on Palmer's face and the ornate white hat. The texture of the surrounding foliage introduces an element of organic form that contrasts with the structured rigidity of the window itself. The portrait is not merely a representation but a crafted image designed to construct a particular identity. The careful arrangement of elements – the actress positioned within the frame, her gaze directed to the side, the details of her attire – all work together as signs. These visual cues invite viewers to interpret layers of meaning beyond a simple likeness. This act of structural framing highlights the artificiality inherent in image-making, reminding us that what we see is always a constructed reality, designed to influence our perception and understanding.