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

This small card, made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., presents Miss Mortimer, an actress of her time, seated atop what seems to be a classical pillar. The pillar itself, adorned with figures reminiscent of ancient friezes, becomes a potent symbol. These figures invoke the weight of classical antiquity, a connection to a past filled with stories of gods, heroes, and theatrical traditions. This harks back to the ancient Greek and Roman stages where actors were revered figures. One can't help but note the contrast – a modern actress presented in a tableau vivant, borrowing the gravitas of the classical world. Consider too, the theatrical gesture of placing herself on a plinth, a gesture reminiscent of a statue, evoking a sense of timelessness. It’s a deliberate act, a gesture passed down through history. This image doesn’t just show an actress; it presents her as a vessel, carrying the echoes of past performances, and engaging our collective memory of art and theatre.