Fencing, from the Gymnastic Exercises series (N77) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

This is a cigarette card of ‘Fencing’ from the Gymnastic Exercises series, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. between 1870 and 1920. These cards were a marketing strategy, designed to be collected and traded. The card depicts a woman in fencing attire, a sport that, during this period, was gaining popularity as a form of exercise and recreation for the upper and middle classes. Note the ballet-style shoes and the bloomers, which offered more freedom of movement than traditional dresses, and which became increasingly associated with women's sports and physical activity. The image normalizes the participation of women in what was often seen as a male domain, while also reinforcing certain ideals of femininity and athleticism. The framing of the image is a demonstration of the changing societal roles of women at the turn of the century. These cards offer a glimpse into the aspirations and anxieties surrounding gender, class, and physical culture in a rapidly changing world.