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

This is a photograph of Susie Dillon from the Actresses series, made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Susie Dillon’s coy posture reminds us of the figures found in classical paintings of nymphs. Like Botticelli’s Venus, Dillon playfully lifts her dress, inviting the viewer to gaze upon her figure. We can see an echo of the past here, filtered through the lens of contemporary fashion and photography. The motif of the lifted garment appears throughout art history, from ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings. It often symbolizes a moment of unveiling, of revealing something hidden beneath the surface. In Dillon’s case, it is a glimpse of the undergarments, a subtle nod to the burgeoning sensuality of the modern era. This image, distributed with cigarettes, also speaks to the power of advertising, a modern echo of the patronage systems of old. The image becomes a commodity, intertwined with desires and aspirations. It engages us at a deep, almost subconscious level, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and the eternal human quest for beauty.