Estelle Clayton, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Gypsy Queen Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the glittering world of 19th theater with *Estelle Clayton, from Actors and Actresses seriesN171) for Gypsy Cigarettes*, produced by Goodwin & Company between 1886 and 1890. This petite albumen photograph, measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, was one of countless collectible cards tucked into cigarette packs to entice smokers and spark a collecting craze. Goodwin & Company, a leading tobacco firm, capitalized on the era's obsession with stage stars, turning promotional ephemera into miniature portraits of fame. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites sensitized to si...

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...