Card 952, Fanny Rice, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 2) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is card 952, Fanny Rice, from the Actors and Actresses series made by Allen & Ginter. The fair skinned Fanny Rice, wearing a lavish bonnet, stands in an open field, a handkerchief at her lips, in a gesture of bashful elegance. The handkerchief held to the mouth, a symbol of modesty and refinement, carries a lineage from ancient gestures of reverence and concealment. We can trace it back to depictions of veiled figures in classical art, and even further, to the subconscious desires to cover one's face when experiencing extreme embarrassment. This symbolic act transcends epochs, revealing itself in countless variations across history, reflecting a cultural dance between visibility and concealment. The gesture’s continued presence is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This image underscores how symbols persist, evolve, and reemerge, weaving a complex tapestry of cultural expression.