L. Thompsen, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This is a promotional card of L. Thompsen from the Actresses series, produced by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Observe how Thompsen is styled in a manner that evokes classical antiquity, particularly in the draping of her garment. This theatrical reference to the past is a conscious borrowing, a kind of cultural memory at play. We see echoes of ancient Greek sculptures, where similar drapery signifies grace and idealised form. This aesthetic choice transports viewers to a romanticised, almost mythical past. Consider how this image—designed to sell cigarettes—employs the visual language of high art and classical ideals to elevate its subject. It’s a fascinating example of how symbols migrate across contexts, carrying echoes of their original meanings while adapting to new purposes, a cultural palimpsest constantly rewritten. The past is never truly gone; it lingers, subtly influencing our perceptions and desires.