Lottie Seymour, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This promotional card for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, made by the Kinney Brothers, features actress Lottie Seymour. She wears a heart-shaped pendant, a symbol laden with centuries of shifting significance. The heart, once merely an organ, became a potent emblem of love, devotion, and courage, especially during the Middle Ages. We see it emblazoned on flags, shields, and tapestries, each use subtly altering its emotional resonance. Now, observe how, centuries later, Lottie Seymour wears it as a fashion statement, a charming token. This illustrates how symbols are in perpetual motion, constantly evolving within the currents of cultural memory, their meanings shaped and reshaped by collective experience. The heart's journey is a testament to the enduring power of images, resonating with deep-seated emotions and cultural narratives.