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

This photograph by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. portrays Cora Travers in what appears to be a moment of melancholic contemplation by the sea. She is draped in a skirt with fringe and her eyes are covered by her forearm as she leans against a wooden column. This specific gesture of concealing the eyes, of turning away, transcends mere portraiture; it echoes through centuries, reminding us of countless depictions of grief, longing, or introspection. We find it in classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and even modern photography. This pose taps into a deep well of collective memory, resonating with viewers on a subconscious level. It is a human reaction to withdraw, to shield oneself from an overwhelming emotion or an unbearable sight. This instinctive reaction has been carried through the ages, as it echoes the shared experiences of pain, loss, and vulnerability. In essence, the gesture of hiding one's eyes is not merely a physical action, but a powerful expression of the human psyche.