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

This card, part of a series by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents an actress of the era, her identity intertwined with performance. Notice the elaborate hat. This isn't merely a fashion statement; it is a cultural artifact, a symbol of identity and status. Hats, historically, have denoted roles and professions, a tradition harking back to ancient times. Think of the Roman laurel wreaths, or the medieval knight’s helmet: each tells a story. This elaborate hat speaks of the actress's profession, adorning her as a signifier of her trade. Consider too, the way fashion serves as a mask, a costume donned not just on stage but in life itself. The actress, through her attire, becomes a vessel of collective fantasies and aspirations. The image, like the theater, allows us to witness the cyclical nature of symbols, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, engaging our collective memory.