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

This photograph, an advertisement for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes by Kinney Brothers, shows the actress Evelyn Tighe. The image is infused with symbols of allure, most obviously her raised leg, which harkens back to classical depictions of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, as she is being born from the sea. The gesture of lifting the dress to reveal the leg has a long history, from ancient fertility rituals to its appropriation in burlesque shows. It evokes both vulnerability and provocation. This complex interplay speaks to our collective memory, tapping into subconscious desires and cultural associations. Consider Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus," where the goddess emerges from a shell, a symbol of fertility, her body unveiled. Here, Tighe’s pose echoes that unveiling, although in a far more subdued context. Yet, its suggestive power remains, subtly influencing the viewer. The image reflects the cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing and evolving to reflect changing cultural values.