Promenade, from World's Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

"Promenade," from the "World's Dudes" series, was created by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes as a collectible card. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time. The figure, identified as one of the world's "dudes," is presented as a spectacle of masculinity. His elaborate, almost theatrical, attire and leisurely promenade reflect the leisure and consumerism enjoyed by privileged men. Yet, this image also exposes the constructed nature of masculinity, revealing how identity is performed through clothing, accessories, and social rituals. Consider the power dynamics at play. Allen & Ginter were part of a larger industry that profited from the widespread use of tobacco, impacting public health and labor practices. This card, meant to be collected and enjoyed, is also a product deeply embedded in a complex web of social, economic, and health issues. How does this inform our view?