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

This photogravure of Maud Wildemere, from a series of actresses, was printed by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Maud wears a fez-like head covering, adorned with a pearl strand. This exoticized orientalism became prevalent in the late 19th century. The fez, originally from the Moroccan city of the same name, symbolizes Eastern exoticism and luxury. Across centuries, head coverings have signified social status, religious affiliation, and cultural identity. In medieval Christian art, the Virgin Mary’s veil represents purity and modesty. Contrast this with the bejeweled turbans of Ottoman sultans, emblems of power and opulence. The fez on Maud, a theatrical actress, suggests a performance of otherness, a borrowing and blending of identities. The gaze directed away from the viewer hints at complex emotional depths—perhaps introspection, perhaps melancholy. The psychological power of such images lies in their ability to evoke feelings of empathy and curiosity, tapping into a collective unconscious where symbols resonate across time and culture.