Mlle. Bonfanti, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This small photograph, made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, features Mlle. Bonfanti, a Parisian dancer, holding a goblet aloft. In classical antiquity, the raised cup was a symbol of celebration, as seen in Roman bacchanals. The gesture evokes triumph and revelry. I am reminded of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, where the raised arm and forward momentum convey power and success. Yet, in Bonfanti's hand, the cup's meaning shifts. It is not merely a symbol of victory, but of modern consumer culture. This conflation represents a fascinating evolution. Ancient symbols adapted for modern times. What was once divine is now commercial. It speaks to our subconscious desires, where the promise of pleasure is inextricably linked to the products we consume. The cigarette brand becomes a silent participant in this age-old human drama.