Rosabel Morrison, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This small card, issued by Kinney Brothers, presents us with Rosabel Morrison, an actress of her time. Notice her upward gaze, a motif that transcends epochs. The upward gaze speaks of aspiration, hope, and a yearning for something beyond the mundane. In ancient Egyptian art, figures often look towards the heavens, seeking divine favor, a gesture echoed in Renaissance paintings where saints gaze upwards, connecting the earthly and divine realms. Consider how this simple gesture has evolved. In Morrison’s time, it reflects a desire for upward mobility and fame, perhaps even hinting at the actress's own ambitions. It’s a dance of memory, a gesture passed down through history, each time imbued with new layers of meaning. This gaze elicits something deep within us, a collective yearning. Perhaps, subconsciously, we see our own desires reflected in her eyes. The image becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It’s a reminder that symbols are never static; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in the ever-turning wheel of time.