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

This is a photographic print of Miss Carson, one of the actresses featured in the series produced by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Notice the heart-shaped design at her waist. Though now a ubiquitous symbol of romantic love, the heart's history is layered. The heart symbol first appeared in the Middle Ages, often associated with courtly love, a highly stylized relationship between a knight and a noblewoman. It wasn't necessarily about romantic partnership as we understand it today, but rather a complex interplay of admiration and longing. Over time, the heart transitioned from religious symbolism to secular affection, becoming entwined with romance during the Renaissance. Here, the heart motif signifies a collective memory, a trace of its former religious meaning, transformed by the slow churn of cultural evolution. It engages us on a subconscious level, triggering emotions deeply rooted in our shared human experience. Though its meaning has shifted, its cyclical journey is far from over.