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

This small chromolithograph, made in the United States in the late 19th century by Goodwin & Company, shows a woman dressed as a jockey, part of a series called "Occupations for Women" that was used as advertising in cigarette packs. Consider what this image says about the social and cultural conditions of its time. It presents an idealized vision of women entering traditionally male-dominated professions. The late 19th century witnessed an increased interest in both women's rights and sports. The female figure, while dressed in attire associated with horse racing, is presented in a manner that is still conventionally feminine and attractive. Cigarette companies often used images of women to appeal to male consumers, subtly linking ideas of female emancipation with leisure and consumption. To truly understand this image, we can turn to historical archives and media studies to explore the complex interplay of gender, advertising, and social change in the late 19th century. By looking at this image, we are reflecting on how institutions shape the production and reception of art.