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

Goodwin & Company produced this small photograph as part of the Actors and Actresses series for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes. These cards were a turn-of-the-century phenomenon fueled by industrial advancements that made mass production and advertising newly possible. The burlesque dancer, known only as Dempsy, is captured in a moment of poised confidence. She is positioned in front of an ornate table, her gaze meeting the viewer's. These cards offered a glimpse into the glamorous, yet often marginalized, world of performance. Burlesque, in particular, occupied a contentious space in American culture, as it allowed women to express agency over their bodies while simultaneously reinforcing societal objectification. The series title, "Gypsy Queen," raises questions about cultural appropriation and the exoticization of marginalized groups. While the image may appear as a simple advertisement, it encapsulates complex themes of gender, performance, and cultural representation.