Card Number 555, Fanny Rice, from the Actors and Actresses series (N145-7) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes 1880s

This is a trade card of Fanny Rice, dating from around 1870-1920, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke Cigarettes. The image features Fanny Rice in a pose reminiscent of classical Venus figures. Her hand gently placed upon her chest, a gesture of modesty or vulnerability. The motif echoes the Venus Pudica, where the figure covers her breasts, a visual theme traversing centuries. Observe how such gestures also appear in religious art, depicting saints in moments of introspection or divine revelation. The act of veiling or covering, seen in numerous cultures, is a powerful symbol that transcends mere modesty. It carries an emotional and psychological weight, hinting at hidden truths or inner turmoil. The resurfacing of this pose throughout history illustrates the cyclical nature of symbols. Its evolution reflects our collective subconscious, revealing how cultural memory influences artistic expression.