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

This card featuring actress Elma Delaro was made around the turn of the 20th century by Goodwin & Company, as a promotional insert for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards were made using a photomechanical printing process, which allowed for mass production and distribution. The sepia tones give the image a soft, romantic feel, and the small size of the card makes it feel intimate, like a keepsake. The card is made from thin paper stock, which was inexpensive and readily available. The printing process involved transferring an image onto the paper using ink and pressure. The photograph is a window into the world of celebrity culture at the time, revealing a mass-produced image designed to fuel the desires of a growing consumer class. It reminds us that even seemingly simple objects like cigarette cards can offer profound insights into the relationship between art, commerce, and society.