Card Number 360, Cora Dean, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-3) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Cross Cut Cigarettes 1880s

This is a promotional card for Cross Cut Cigarettes, featuring actress Cora Dean, made by Duke Sons & Co. in the late 19th century. Notice the artful composition of the figure that evokes the classical reclining Venus, a motif deeply rooted in art history. The suggestive pose is reminiscent of ancient sculptures of goddesses, figures of beauty, and fertility. Consider, for example, Titian's "Venus of Urbino." The tradition continues through Manet's provocative "Olympia," which reinterprets the Venus figure in a modern, unflinching light. The pose transcends mere representation; it speaks to a primal desire to captivate and entice, a psychological dance between the subject and the viewer. It creates a powerful subconscious connection that transcends time. These archetypal images tap into our collective memory, resurfacing through history, constantly adapting, and mirroring our ever-evolving cultural values.