Weight Pulling, from the Pretty Athletes series (N196) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is *Weight Pulling* from the *Pretty Athletes* series, a lithograph made by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. These cards were distributed with cigarettes. We can consider the context of a booming economy after the Civil War, and the rise of consumer culture and mass media, to understand the circulation of images like these. The image showcases an ideal of feminine beauty and strength in the late 19th century. The woman’s physique, accentuated by her athletic attire, reflects changing attitudes towards women's roles and physical activity. Yet, it also highlights the constraints placed on women, as the emphasis on appearance and beauty remains central. Her pose, with a determined gaze, perhaps signals a desire for self-expression and empowerment but also a limited view of what women could achieve in athletics. This artwork invites us to reflect on the complexities of gender, representation, and the negotiation of identity within cultural norms.