Lecuyer, Palais Royal, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

Allen & Ginter crafted this card as part of a series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, showcasing Lecuyer of the Palais Royal. Observe the hat adorned with flowers. This isn't merely a fashion statement. The hat, particularly when ornamented, has historically signified status, identity, and even transformation. Think of the ancient Roman tradition where freed slaves wore a pileus, a type of hat, as a symbol of their liberty. Now, consider how floral motifs have been interwoven with notions of ephemerality and beauty. From Botticelli's "Primavera," where flowers embody the arrival of spring and the blooming of life, to Van Gogh's sunflowers, pulsating with vital energy, flowers carry a profound emotional resonance. The choice to depict Lecuyer with floral adornments subtly imbues her image with associations of feminine grace and transient beauty, perhaps tapping into a collective desire to capture and immortalize fleeting moments of life. The symbol's progression is non-linear, cyclical, taking on new meanings in various contexts.