Actress in profile with head resting on hand, from the Actresses series (N664) promoting Old Fashion Fine Cut Tobacco
Unknown Artist
1888–90
Medium
Albumen photograph
Dimensions
Sheet: 3 3/8 in. × 2 in. (8.5 × 5.1 cm)
Classification
Photographs|Ephemera
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick
Accession Number
Burdick 230, N664.50
Tags
Art Historical Context
This charming albumen photograph, titled *Actress in Profile with Resting on Hand*, captures a poised female performer in a contemplative side view, part of the *Actresses* series (N664) from around 1888–90. Measuring just 3⅜ × 2 inches, its petite scale made it ideal for pocket-sized ephemera like trade cards, which were distributed to promote Old Fashion Fine Cut Tobacco. Albumen prints, coated with egg whites for sharp detail and a subtle sheen, were the gold standard for such commercial photography in the late 19th century, blending artistry with mass production. These cards reflect the G...