Diana, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

"Diana, from the Actresses series" was issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The sepia tones create a nostalgic lens through which we view this actress embodying the goddess Diana. The composition is carefully structured, balancing the figure's poised stance with the tools of her trade, the bow and arrow, creating a scene of both readiness and elegance. The actress is framed in a classical pose, but the commercial context of the cigarette card introduces a modern twist. Semiotically, Diana, the goddess of the hunt, signifies independence and strength, qualities that were increasingly associated with the modern woman at the time. The card, by linking these attributes to a desirable product, invites a fascinating discourse on consumer culture. Consider how the interplay between classical iconography and modern advertising creates a dialogue about shifting cultural values, where even a goddess can become a symbol in the marketplace.