Mlle. Andre, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This portrait of Mlle. Andre was printed by Goodwin & Company, New York, as a promotional card for Old Judge Cigarettes. Note the pointed hat, a striking element of her costume. This cone-shaped headgear immediately conjures images of medieval fools, figures employed to entertain noblemen. Yet, the fool’s cap is not merely for jest; it carries a complex history. Often adorned with bells, the fool’s hat acted as a symbol of liminality, signifying one who could speak truth to power under the guise of jest. We see echoes of this figure in Shakespearean dramas, where the fool's pointed observations cut through the court's pretenses. Looking at this image, one can't help but wonder about the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple promotional card. It is a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, shed skins, and resurrect across time.