Miss Dempsey, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of late 19th-century advertising with *Miss Dempsey, from Actors and Actresses seriesN171)*, produced by Goodwin & Company for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes around 1886–90. This petite albumen photograph captures the portrait of actress Miss Dempsey, one many celebrity likenesses printed on small cards (just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches) and tucked into cigarette packs. These ephemera were more than mere promotions—they fueled a collecting craze, introducing theater stars to everyday audiences and turning smokers into avid hobbyists. The albumen process, a hallmark of 19th-century photography, coated paper with egg whites and silver salts to yield richly toned, detailed images from glass negatives. Its crisp clarity made it ideal for mass-producing these affordable inserts, blending fine art techniques with commercial savvy. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of American ephemera—this card highlights the era's theater obsession, where actresses like Miss Dempsey embodied glamour and independence amid evolving gender roles. Today, it offers a window into Gilded Age pop culture, where tobacco brands cleverly merged entertainment and commerce, preserving fleeting fame in photographic form. A delightful snapshot of history's hidden gems!

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...