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

This is "Billie Barlow, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes," a photograph made by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century. These cards, included in cigarette packs, offer us a glimpse into the popular culture of the time and the commercialization of celebrity. Actresses, like Billie Barlow, were among the first to experience widespread fame, their images circulated in ways that shaped public perception and desire. Barlow is adorned with a feathered fan and a decorative hat, embodying an ideal of feminine beauty and stage presence. The photograph speaks to how women navigated the burgeoning entertainment industry, where they were both celebrated and commodified. Consider the layers of representation at play: Barlow's own identity, the character she portrayed on stage, and the image crafted for mass consumption. This photograph reminds us of the complex interplay between identity, performance, and the marketplace.