Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 7) for Dixie Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a mounted albumen print of Lillian Russell, part of the Actors and Actresses series for Dixie Cigarettes. The sepia tones and the texture of the print give it a subdued, almost dreamlike quality. The composition emphasizes Russell’s figure, tightly framed to accentuate her ornamented dress and elaborate headpiece. The high contrast between the light tones of her skin and attire, set against a dark background, draws the eye, creating a focal point that highlights both her presence and the luxurious details of her costume. The print is a study in the semiotics of celebrity. Lillian Russell's persona as a cultural icon is subtly conveyed through visual cues like her ornate clothing and dignified posture. The photograph engages with contemporary ideas about fame, femininity, and the burgeoning consumer culture of the time, embedding these concepts within the formal structure of the portrait itself. The print, like the actress, becomes a signifier, open to interpretation.