Dora Wiley, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This cigarette card, created by William S. Kimball & Co., presents us with Dora Wiley, an actress of the time. She is adorned in an ornate costume, complete with tassels, lace and frills, and is striking a pose that exudes confidence. The theatrical garb and stage-like setting remind us of similar depictions across history. Think of the elaborate attire of ancient Greek actors, or the royal costumes of Renaissance court performers. These visual cues tie Wiley to a long line of performers who used costume as a tool to transform and captivate. The act of 'posing', with a hand confidently placed on her hip, is a recurring motif in portraiture. It projects an image of power, which, in this case, is subtly intertwined with the act of performance. This gesture can be traced back through centuries of portraiture, each time carrying echoes of authority and self-assurance, and reminding us that human expression, even in stillness, is a powerful force. These repeating motifs form what I call a path of memory, linking past and present, and demonstrating how symbols evolve yet persistently resurface, reflecting our collective subconscious.