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

This card portraying Fanny Rice, from the Actors and Actresses series by Allen & Ginter, captures a popular image of femininity during its time. The theatrical, almost coy pose, connects to a much older tradition. Consider the gesture of a figure looking slightly away, yet directly engaging the viewer. This echoes the ancient Aphrodite Pudica, a visual representation of modesty where the goddess covers her nude form, yet its display paradoxically invites the gaze. Here, Rice’s posture, though far from nude, similarly balances a demure presentation with an alluring gaze. This gesture isn’t merely a pose; it's a survival, a Pathosformel, if you will. The survival of this symbol reveals something deeper about our collective psyche and the ever-shifting game of concealment and revelation that continues to play out in how we depict beauty and femininity.