From the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a promotional card from the "Actors and Actresses" series by Allen & Ginter. Observe the actress's confident gaze and the subtle smile playing on her lips, gestures as old as time. These are not merely features, they are symbols, archetypes of allure that have bewitched audiences across millennia. The upward tilt of her chin, reminiscent of classical sculptures, echoes the 'Pathosformel,' imbuing her posture with a sense of restrained power. Consider the flower adorning her hair, a motif repeated throughout art history. From Botticelli's Primavera to the Pre-Raphaelites, flowers have been emblematic of beauty, youth, and fleeting existence. Here, its presence highlights the ephemeral nature of stardom, capturing a moment of fame destined to fade. Yet, the image remains, a haunting reminder of the actress’s allure, engaging viewers on a deeply personal, subconscious level, a testament to the enduring power of the image.