Katie Stokes, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 6) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph, made by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, depicting the actress Katie Stokes. The most striking element here is the water jug, a humble object elevated by its symbolic resonance. In antiquity, the water jug was associated with the domestic sphere and female virtue. Consider the countless images of women drawing water from wells, an essential task laden with cultural significance. The presence of Katie Stokes is more than a simple act of quenching thirst; it is a nod to ancient archetypes. This recalls images of water nymphs, goddesses, and even biblical figures. It speaks to a collective memory, a subconscious recognition of water as a life-giving force, and woman as a life-bearer. We should consider how this simple photograph can evoke deep, subconscious associations that transcend time and culture. It is a testament to how powerful images engage viewers on a primal, psychological level.