Mlle. Millet, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the glittering world of 19th-century theater with *Mlle. Millet, the Actors and Actresses (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes a petite albumen photograph produced by & Company between 188 and 1890. This tiny portrait (just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches) captures the poised elegance of the French actress Mlle. Millet, one of many celebrities featured in this popular series. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts, were the gold standard for sharp, detailed photography of the era, perfect for mass reproduction. These cards were clever marketing gems tucked into Old Judge cigarette packs, sparking a collecting craze akin to today's trading cards. Goodwin & Company issued hundreds in the N171 series, turning theater stars into household names and blending advertising with pop culture. As ephemera, they offer a vivid snapshot of Gilded Age fandom, women's rising visibility in entertainment, and the era's obsession with celebrity portraits. Today, this piece resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, a treasure trove of American prints and cards. It reminds us how everyday objects preserved the sparkle of stage life for everyday collectors.

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...