Card 496, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This albumen silver print card was created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It features an actress, her posture echoing poses of Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and desire. The actress reclines, one arm gently resting, and the other across her lap. This arrangement is not unique to this actress or card. In antiquity, this mirrored gesture can be found in the Capitoline Venus, her hands covering herself. The motif of concealment, perhaps a way to project modesty, can be found in art history resurfacing time and time again. From Sandro Botticelli's Venus, to Titian's, and beyond. These gestures tap into our collective memory, evoking not just beauty but also a sense of vulnerability and the power of the gaze. Each iteration reflects its time, yet the echo of Venus remains, subtly shaping our perception of beauty and representation.