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

This is "Jennie Prince, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes" made by Goodwin & Company sometime between 1850 and 1950. This card, like others in the series, speaks to the cultural status afforded to actors and actresses at the time. The image is both intimate and performative, as Jennie Prince gazes confidently at the viewer. These cards circulated at a time when celebrity culture was burgeoning, providing a glimpse into the lives and faces of those who captivated audiences on stage. The series also reveals the commercial dimensions of fame, intertwining it with the marketing of consumer goods such as cigarettes. The photograph can prompt reflections on the representation of women in the entertainment industry, and how their images were commodified and circulated. The card's small scale invites a close, personal encounter, mirroring the way audiences might have felt about their favorite performers.