Louise Montague, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes
1886–90
Medium
Albumen photograph
Dimensions
sheet: 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 in. (6.9 x 3.5 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
63.350.215.171.390
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the late 19th century, American tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company revolutionized marketing with collectible cigarette cards, turning everyday packs into treasure troves for enthusiasts. This petite albumen photograph, *Louise Montague, from Actors and Actresses seriesN171) for Old Judge Cigarettes (1886–90), exemplifies the trend. Measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, it captures the celebrated actress in a formal portrait, part of a popular series featuring theatrical stars that boosted brand loyalty and fueled a collecting craze. Produced by Goodwin & Company, leaders in high-qua...
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...