Lachesis, One of the Three Destinies, Life, from the Goddesses of the Greeks and Romans series (N188) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is a trade card of Lachesis, one of the Three Destinies, Life, from the Goddesses of the Greeks and Romans series, issued by the American tobacco company, Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Trade cards like this became popular in the late 19th century as a form of advertising. They reflect the social and cultural values of the time, including an interest in classical mythology and a romanticized view of women. The image is of a young, beautiful woman with fair skin and flowing hair who represents Lachesis. She is shown spinning the thread of life, which was her role in Greek mythology. It's important to remember that images like this aren't neutral. They were created in a specific time and place, by people with their own beliefs and biases. As art historians, it's our job to understand those contexts and to consider how they might have shaped the artwork. We need to research the history of trade cards, the role of women in 19th century America, and the popularity of classical mythology.