Kate Claxton as Scotch Lassie, from the set Actors and Actresses, Second Series (N71) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888 - 1890

This chromolithograph from around 1870 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. captures Kate Claxton as a ‘Scotch Lassie’ for cigarette cards. It features the actress adorned with a red sash across her chest and a matching ribbon in her hair, both tied with bows. The bows in this image are not merely decorative; they have a long lineage. Think of Cupid and Psyche, where the tying and untying of knots—often represented as bows—symbolize love, union, and the binding together of souls. Consider also how ribbons and bows appear in Renaissance portraits, signifying status and often betrothal or marriage. Here, the bow is repurposed in popular culture, yet it maintains a deep-seated connection to themes of attraction and allure. Its placement on a figure intended to captivate reflects an ongoing, perhaps subconscious, understanding of its power to draw the eye and evoke an emotional response. These symbols resonate deeply within our collective memory, continuing to surface and adapt across generations.