Card 465, Miss Mayall, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a photograph of Miss Mayall, printed by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Here, her pose invites us to contemplate the evolving role of the female figure. Note the striped stockings. This motif has ancient roots, from figures in classical vase paintings to Renaissance allegories, marking identities from servants to courtesans. Striped clothing has often been associated with social marginality, and this tension adds layers to our reading of Miss Mayall. Consider how the striped motif persists, transformed, into modern fashion. What subconscious forces drive our attraction and aversion to these patterns? In the theatre, these patterns are used to convey meaning, and engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Stripes are a motif that evolves, resurfaces, and takes on new meanings depending on the historical context.