Attention, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

Allen & Ginter created this lithograph card, titled "Attention," as part of a series for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. It offers a glimpse into the commercial and social landscape of the late 19th century. The image depicts a well-dressed woman, a style that reflects the era's emphasis on decorum and status. But we should also recognize how such images reinforced societal expectations for women, limiting their roles and identities to ideals of beauty and domesticity. The parasol, prominently held, becomes symbolic of both protection and restriction. The commercial nature of this artwork cannot be overlooked. Cigarette cards like these were not just advertisements; they were cultural artifacts that helped shape perceptions and normalize habits. The emotional connection created through these images encouraged consumers to buy into a lifestyle. What does it mean to find ourselves still grappling with similar methods of persuasion today?