Mlle. Rinaldi, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

Curator: This sepia-toned photograph is a trade card, "Mlle. Rinaldi, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series," created by Goodwin & Company sometime between 1886 and 1890. These were advertising inserts for Old Judge Cigarettes. Editor: The immediate impression is one of refined theatricality, isn’t it? The sitter's gaze feels confident, but the monochromatic palette lends it a wistful aura, like a memory captured. Curator: These trade cards were massively popular, driving a new wave of celebrity culture. Rinaldi's portrayal here showcases the emerging public persona of actors, especially actresses, and their value as consumer endorsements. Cigarette companies eagerly associated their products with these glamorous figures. Editor: Yes, the photograph speaks to a very deliberate construction of celebrity. Rinaldi, identified with Paris, signifies a certain European sophistication. And her elaborate dress—that bodice with its heavy beading, the way the light catches the fabric—signals wealth and status. Notice how the studio props add to the theatrical air. It’s all calculated. Curator: Absolutely. It is interesting to observe the democratization of imagery occurring at this time; mass produced images entering public and private circulation simultaneously, contributing to complex dialogues about social mores. Editor: The very name "Old Judge" conjures up images of authority and discerning taste, linking the consumer with ideals of wisdom and judgment simply by purchasing a pack. I find myself wondering, what became of Mademoiselle Rinaldi and whether she would have envisioned her face still circulating now in a museum collection! Curator: Exactly. The card is evidence of the rise of a visual culture, and Rinaldi is a prime actor in it. A fascinating relic from a time when modern advertising was really finding its feet. Editor: A captivating little artifact, reminding us that even the smallest images can reveal large cultural truths.