Actress wearing military helmet, from Stars of the Stage, Second Series (N130) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

This trade card, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. circa 1888, presents an actress adorned in a fanciful military helmet. Such helmets, with their crests and plumes, have long symbolized power and martial prowess, harking back to classical antiquity with figures like Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The plumed helmet’s journey through art history reveals its enduring appeal. From ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings, it signified authority and nobility. Consider the Roman emperors depicted with elaborate helmets, embodying their military might and imperial command. Yet, in this card, the helmet is repurposed. It’s no longer solely a symbol of war but an element of theatrical spectacle. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend where military regalia becomes absorbed into popular entertainment. The actress, donning this helmet, evokes both admiration for strength and the allure of the stage. This transformation speaks to our collective fascination with power, and how symbols can be reinvented, reminding us that the past is not a linear progression but a cyclical return.