Cyclist, from the Occupations for Women series (N166) for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes 1887

This small chromolithograph was made in the United States, around 1880, by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes. Produced as a collectible insert for tobacco products, it depicts a woman in cycling attire leaning against a high-wheel bicycle, also known as a penny-farthing. The image encapsulates the emerging role of women in sports and public life during the late 19th century. Cycling became a symbol of liberation and independence for women, offering them greater mobility and challenging traditional gender roles. The attire of the figure – bloomers, boots, and a decorative hat – reflects the evolving fashion norms associated with women's newfound freedom. Yet, the image’s circulation was guaranteed by its association with a popular commodity—cigarettes—and the culture of collecting generated around it. To truly understand the social dynamics represented here, we must dig into a range of historical sources from popular magazines to advertisements and fashion plates. These artifacts help us decode the politics of imagery in a rapidly changing society.