Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a promotional card of Lillian Russell, from the Actors and Actresses series for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Note the crescent moon pendant that adorns Lillian’s chest. The moon, a symbol of cyclical change and the feminine divine, here takes on a deeply personal connection. Across cultures, the moon goddess embodies the nurturing and mysterious aspects of womanhood, and has been associated with fertility, intuition, and the subconscious. Here, Lillian is shown as an almost celestial figure, the moon embellishing her femininity. Consider, too, the moon's reflection in art through time, from the ancient lunar deities to the romantic moonlit landscapes of the 19th century. Each era projects its longings and fears onto this celestial canvas. This commercial card participates in an ongoing cultural dialogue, a subconscious echo of ancient mythologies. Such cultural symbols remind us that images resonate with our deepest emotions and collective memories.