Outside Hand Vault, from the Gymnastic Exercises series (N77) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

This small chromolithograph was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co., cigarette manufacturers, as part of a series of cards depicting gymnastic exercises. At first glance, you’re struck by the figure's dynamism. The gymnast’s body forms a bold, triangular shape, mirrored in the triangular base of the vaulting horse. The symmetry is disrupted by the colours: the soft pinks and greens draw the eye and create visual tension, particularly against the brown tones of the vaulting horse. This asymmetry suggests the image is not just about physical perfection, but also about the destabilization of fixed forms. The traditional notions of beauty and strength are challenged by the androgynous figure, whose posture suggests both control and vulnerability. The choice of such a subject by Duke questions the set gender roles and hints at the changing status of women in the late 19th century. The card’s structure prompts questions about the broader cultural codes at play. What does it mean to see this figure presented in a series intended for commercial use, and how does it speak to the era’s evolving understanding of gender, athleticism, and visual representation?