Campbell & Lane, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This lithograph, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features actresses Campbell and Lane against a backdrop that’s rich with symbolic undertones. The ornate balustrade, decorated with classical figures in dynamic poses, reminds us of ancient friezes, evoking a sense of timeless drama and narrative. Notice the binoculars held by one of the actresses. This simple object speaks volumes. Binoculars collapse distance, turning faraway spectacles into intimate experiences. This motif echoes in Renaissance paintings where telescopes or maps appear, symbolizing mankind’s quest for knowledge and control over the world. The gaze, directed outward, transcends its immediate context. It pulls at our subconscious, inviting us to ponder not just what is seen, but how it is interpreted. Like Narcissus gazing at his reflection, the act of looking becomes a mirror, reflecting our own desires and projections. Such symbols weave through history, continuously reshaping themselves, yet forever tethered to our deepest cultural memories.