In 1998, Jennifer Aniston was at the peak of her fame thanks to her role as Rachel Green on the hit TV show Friends. With her signature “Rachel” haircut and a wardrobe that influenced fashion trends of the era, Aniston was a cultural icon.

One particular image from that time captured her innocent looks sitting on stairs, and it’s worth taking a closer look at why this image resonated with so many people.

Aniston was one of the most recognizable faces in the world, but this photo captured her in a rare moment

Her expression is contemplative, and there’s a sense that she’s lost in thought.

For many fans, this was a refreshing change from the bubbly, outgoing persona she often portrayed on Friends.

It showed that there was more to Aniston than just her looks and her famous character.

Innocence is a quality that’s often associated with youth, and Aniston was 29 years old when this photo was taken.

But her innocent looks and demeanor defied her age, making her seem timeless and ageless

This was part of her appeal then, and it’s part of what makes her such an enduring figure today

Aniston has continued to work in Hollywood, but even as she’s aged and taken on more complex roles, she’s maintained that sense of innocence

In many ways, the image of Jennifer Aniston sitting on stairs encapsulates the zeitgeist of the late 90s.