Card 751, Seven Ravens, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Editor: This is "Card 751, Seven Ravens," from the Actors and Actresses series, dating from around 1885-1891, created by Allen & Ginter. It's a small photograph, part of a cigarette card series, but it feels much larger in terms of its theatricality. She appears dressed for battle or the stage. What kind of symbolism do you see in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I’m drawn to the shield and sword. Consider the long history of weapons in art—what do they represent? Certainly, defense and aggression, but also power, justice, and even sacrifice. She's an interesting interpretation of the raven myth. Do you know of it? Editor: Only vaguely! Curator: These cards often tapped into popular narratives. Think of the raven—in mythology across cultures, it's a powerful omen, a messenger, associated with both death and intelligence. In this context, what might seven ravens suggest, especially as it relates to an actress in costume? Editor: Maybe a play title? Or perhaps she's embodying the traits attributed to the ravens in the play. It makes me consider cultural perceptions of performers – how they assume different identities and convey complex emotions through their roles. Curator: Precisely. It would be intriguing to examine theatrical history of the period to discover her role’s specific symbolism. Editor: So, this isn't just a portrait, it's a coded message linked to a shared cultural memory! Curator: Exactly! Even down to the shield design! Now, does the Virginia Brights Cigarettes logo impact your perception, knowing that this tableau was meant for commercial distribution? Editor: That detail makes me consider art’s purpose at the time…how the line between commerce, entertainment, and artistic expression was blurrier than I’d initially assumed. Curator: And there we find more layers of cultural resonance!