[Actress posing in thick cloak], from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This photograph by W. Duke, Sons & Co. showcases an actress adorned in a sumptuous, thick cloak, a symbol laden with historical weight. Cloaks have long signified status and mystery, offering both protection and concealment. Consider the evolution of this garment: from the draped fabrics of ancient Roman senators, denoting power and authority, to the cloaks worn during the Renaissance, often associated with intrigue and disguise. In theatrical contexts, a cloak is not merely a piece of clothing but a prop imbued with narrative potential. The actress, enveloped in its folds, embodies transformation and the duality of identity inherent in performance. This recalls how figures in classical paintings use drapery to convey intense emotional states, from grief to ecstasy. Here, the cloak invites us to ponder the psychological space between the actress and her roles, engaging our own subconscious recognition of clothing as a performative element. The cloak has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.