Mlle. Jabres, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 8) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This photograph of Mlle. Jabres, part of a series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents her in an ornate costume holding a mandolin. The mandolin itself is a symbol, a descendant of the lute, and speaks to music's enduring presence in human expression. Consider the Orpheus myth: his lyre could charm beasts and move stones, embodying music's profound power over emotion and nature. This photograph taps into that ancient understanding, yet reframes it. The mandolin, unlike Orpheus' lyre, is presented with a theatrical flair—the actress in costume, the instrument almost a prop. We see a performance of artistry, not the raw, transformative power of myth. This transition reflects a broader cultural shift. The cigarette card, a modern artifact, utilizes the echo of Orpheus to elevate the actress, to imbue her with a touch of the mythical, even as it commodifies her image. The instrument becomes a symbol of cultural memory. The image creates a powerful link between past and present, reminding us how symbols evolve, retaining echoes of their origin.