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

This is Annie Leslie, an actress featured in a promotional card created by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. It is made of paper, printed with an image of a performer. The material is simple, but its significance is complex. The card's small size speaks to its purpose: a collectible inserted into cigarette packs. This was a booming era for both mass media and mass consumption. Images like these, churned out in vast quantities, blurred the line between art and advertising. The photographic process and printing technology used here allowed for widespread dissemination, turning images of actors and actresses into commodities. It also reflects the labor involved, from the photography studio to the factory floor, as it speaks volumes about the social context of the late 19th century. Considering the materials, processes, and context of this image, it goes beyond a simple portrait; it serves as a cultural artifact that encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of mass media and consumer culture.