Miss Jarbeau, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This photographic print, part of the Actresses series by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., presents Miss Jarbeau in an intriguing tableau. Consider the staff she holds: a symbol of authority, it echoes the scepters of ancient rulers and the wands of classical deities. Yet, here, it seems almost playfully repurposed, a nod to the performative nature of the stage. This motif of the staff transcends time, appearing in varied guises. Think of Hermes’ caduceus, a symbol of commerce and negotiation, or the shepherd's crook, representing guidance and care. But here, in Miss Jarbeau's hand, it suggests a blending of power, theatricality, and perhaps even a hint of subversion, reflecting the actress’s ability to command attention and transform identity. The collective memory stirs within us as we view this image, recognizing familiar symbols reshaped by context. It's this cyclical progression—the resurfacing and reinterpretation of symbols—that reveals the enduring power of images to engage our subconscious and bridge historical divides.