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

This chromolithograph was created by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes around the late 19th century, featuring the actress Mlle. La Sana. Her pose, with one leg extended and arms raised, bears a striking resemblance to ancient depictions of triumphant figures. Consider the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Though separated by centuries and mediums, both figures share a dynamic sense of forward movement and elevation. The raised arms, a gesture seen in antiquity to signify triumph, is charged with emotional energy, drawing the viewer into her powerful presence. This gesture of raised arms can be seen repeated throughout history; religious iconography and secular art. It transcends its original context, embodying a universal expression of victory, freedom, and spiritual ecstasy. This image captures a moment of intense emotion, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It reflects the cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing and evolving with shifting meaning, resonating across different historical contexts.