This cabinet card portrait by New York City celebrity photographer Benjamin Falk, features stage actress Edith Murillo. Judging by the sparsity of easily accessible information pertaining to Miss Murillo, it appears that she was not a major theatrical player. However, The New York Times (1884) “Notes of the Stage” section announces her appearance in a musical comedy. In addition, the Topeka State Journal (1889) describes Miss Murillo as “a soubrette of uncommon promise”. Wikipedia defines a soubrette as “a comedy character who is vain and girlish, mischievous, lighthearted, coquettish and gossipy”. The description adds that soubrettes “often display a flirtatious or even sexually aggressive nature”. This image of Edith Murillo certainly captures the pretty actress in a flirtatious pose.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
A charming photograph. The pose is more natural than most that face forward. She looks relaxed, and has a soft light in her eyes. A gentle presence.
Reblogged this on Rogues & Vagabonds.
“Soubrette” – I always liked that word. Light in spirit as well as reputation, I think.
Love the coins sewed into her costume.