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

“Swan Ballet,” an advertising card for Old Judge Cigarettes, was created by Goodwin & Company, sometime between 1850 and 1950 using the photomechanical printing process. This process allowed for mass production and distribution of images. It enabled brands like Old Judge Cigarettes to include these cards in their packaging, boosting sales through collectible sets. The card features an image of actresses in costume, likely a stage production referencing classical ballet. The sepia tone results from the chemical processes involved in early photographic printing. The value of these cards lay not just in their aesthetic appeal but also in their function as promotional items. This reflects the changing dynamics of consumer culture and the increasing use of images in advertising, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and popular entertainment. By considering the material processes, we can better understand the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the artwork's creation.