Miss Benney, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This small portrait of Miss Benney, part of a series of actors and actresses, was created as a cigarette card. What immediately strikes the eye is the prominent fan. For centuries, fans have been symbolic objects, especially in the East, often associated with royalty and theatrical performance. The fan's ability to conceal and reveal echoes the performative nature of theater itself, suggesting a play of identity. It can be traced back to ancient rituals, where masks and veils were used to transform identity and evoke the presence of spirits. Like the masks in ancient Greek theater, the fan here acts as a symbolic extension of the performer’s persona, adding an emotional layer that transcends mere representation. This recalls the cyclical nature of symbols, forever resurfacing and evolving.