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

This small card, printed by Allen & Ginter, depicts Ray Parker in promotion of Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The bonnet she wears, with its soft frills, speaks of innocence and modesty. Yet, consider how such head coverings have appeared throughout history, from the veils of ancient priestesses to the wimples of medieval nuns. Each iteration carries its own weight of meaning, influenced by prevailing societal norms. The bonnet in this image has evolved to become a marker of domesticity, a symbol far removed from its sacred origins. Perhaps this garment, like many symbols, is a palimpsest, with layers of cultural memory subtly influencing our perception. This photograph may evoke a sense of nostalgia or a longing for a simpler time. It is an image passed down to us, resurfacing in a new guise, its emotional power undiminished.