Lillian Tyson, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-8) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1890 - 1895

This promotional card by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features actress Lillian Tyson, her gaze averted, shoulders bare. This pose echoes classical depictions of Venus, goddess of love, a symbol that transcends time. Throughout history, Venus has been revered in countless artistic forms. Consider Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," where the goddess emerges from the sea, embodying beauty and desire. Yet, here in Lillian, the context shifts. No longer a deity, she’s an actress, her image commodified to sell cigarettes. We see the echo of an ancient archetype, transformed. This card becomes a fascinating example of how cultural memory operates. The subconscious desire to connect to the divine feminine is exploited, yet the original sacred meaning is diluted in a commercial context. Despite the shift, the gesture retains its power, engaging viewers on a deeply ingrained level. The image of Venus is not linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings.