Irene Verona, from the Actresses series (N245) issued by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1890

This photograph of Irene Verona was produced by Kinney Brothers to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. She strikes a pose reminiscent of classical statues of nymphs and goddesses, where the female figure, sensually draped, stands on a rocky outcrop at the water's edge. This harks back to ancient Greco-Roman depictions of Venus emerging from the sea. Her costume, though modern, is designed to evoke an exotic, timeless sensuality. The gesture of her raised arm is particularly intriguing. It echoes the Venus Pudica pose, a gesture of modesty, yet here it becomes a playful invitation. This tension, between concealment and revelation, has been explored in art across centuries. Think of Botticelli's Venus, using her hands to shield herself, simultaneously drawing attention to her nakedness. What is at play here is a dance of allure, a knowing acknowledgment of the viewer’s gaze. This powerful force engages us on a subconscious level. The image is another example of how classical motifs are adapted and reshaped. Like a serpent shedding its skin, symbols are in constant flux, reflecting our ever-evolving desires and anxieties.