Lilles Sisters, 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, presents the Lilles Sisters of Paris, figures of entertainment and allure. The corsets, laced boots, and coquettish gaze are not merely fashion, but symbols deeply intertwined with the era's performance culture. The corset, especially, has a long lineage. Once a symbol of aristocratic elegance, it resurfaces here transformed, accentuating the performers' bodies and subtly hinting at the erotic. We can trace its origins back to ancient Minoan cultures, where tight-laced garments symbolized power and status. Yet, over centuries, its meaning has shifted, becoming associated with both repression and liberation. Consider how this garment engages our collective memory. Through it, we witness the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to adapt and reflect evolving societal desires. The Lilles Sisters, encased in these garments, evoke a complex mix of attraction, aspiration, and perhaps even a touch of unease, engaging us on a visceral level.