De La Rose, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is an advertising card made by Allen & Ginter, featuring actress De La Rose, referencing classical iconography. Note the figure of De La Rose, who is carrying a bow and arrow; she evokes associations with Artemis or Diana, the Greek and Roman goddesses of the hunt. The bow and arrow are not mere hunting tools, but symbols of power, precision, and the ability to strike from afar. The image triggers a memory of the ancient world, where the goddess roamed wild landscapes and the hunt was a metaphor for life's pursuits. Consider, however, how this symbol has transformed. In earlier times, Artemis embodied independence and strength, qualities perhaps diluted in this commercial context. Even so, the echo of her image persists, resonating with our deep-seated notions of feminine power. The image thus engages with a rich history while adapting to its modern purpose, a dance between past and present.