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

This is a photograph of Pauline Markham, produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards were printed using a photomechanical process, a departure from traditional methods. The image shows an actress in costume. It's not just a portrait, though; it's also advertising. Consider the conditions of its production: a celebrity endorsement, created to enhance the appeal of a commercial product. Labor is involved, in the growing of tobacco, manufacturing of cigarettes, the printing of photographs, and the distribution of cards to customers. Note that Markham's celebrity would have been tied to live performances, a form of ephemeral labor, recorded in the permanent form of this card. The mass production and distribution of such photographs mark a profound shift in visual culture. By examining the conditions of making and circulation, we can expand our understanding of this object, challenging the boundaries between art, craft, and commodity culture.