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

This is a photograph of Blanche Querrette from the Actresses series by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Observe the delicate lace of her gown, a motif that transcends mere fashion. Lace, throughout history, has symbolized both purity and intricate entanglement, a duality that mirrors the complexities of the female roles portrayed on stage. Think of Botticelli’s Venus, partially draped, evoking a sense of both innocence and allure. The actress, positioned centrally, engages the viewer directly, inviting scrutiny and admiration. This gaze, a powerful force, transcends time. We see echoes of it in ancient Roman portraiture, where the direct stare was meant to convey authority and presence. The image, distributed with cigarettes, links the ephemeral pleasures of the stage to the fleeting nature of smoke. Like the ever-changing roles of an actress, cultural symbols are never fixed, constantly evolving and reforming across time.