Card 765, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 5) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This photographic card, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents an actress in a theatrical pose against a rocky backdrop. The gesture of her hand shielding her eyes has deep roots in visual culture. Consider how similar poses appear in classical depictions of figures searching or looking into the distance. This motif suggests an anticipation of what is to come, or a yearning for something beyond the immediate. The act of shielding the eyes is not merely functional but symbolic, suggesting insight and foresight. This gesture transcends mere representation; it touches upon a deeper, perhaps subconscious, desire to understand and control the future. It is a pose that has been passed down through history, evolving and adapting to different contexts, yet retaining its fundamental evocation of hope and expectation. The cyclical progression of the motifs reminds us that the past is never truly gone. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.