Card 333, Pauline Markham, from the Actors and Actresses series (N45, Type 1) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1885 - 1891

This is a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, featuring the actress Pauline Markham. The iconography of actresses and performers has its roots in classical antiquity when depictions of muses were symbols of artistic inspiration. Observe how Markham's pose—leaning languidly with her head resting on her hand—echoes the melancholic or contemplative figures found in Renaissance art, a visual language of introspection and emotional depth. This pose, popularized by depictions of figures like the Penitent Magdalene, suggests not just beauty but a depth of feeling. The image engages with the viewer on a deep, subconscious level. The yearning gaze and the vulnerable posture evokes a sense of empathy. This cyclical progression resurfaces in our own time, where celebrity endorsements continue to rely on these deeply ingrained cultural associations and emotional triggers.