Card 46, from the Girl Cyclists series (N49) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1887

This small card was printed by Allen & Ginter in Richmond, Virginia, as a promotional item for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. Produced at the end of the nineteenth century, this card speaks volumes about the changing role of women in American society. It's part of a series called "Girl Cyclists," and it depicts a woman confidently mounting a high-wheeled bicycle. At the time, cycling was becoming increasingly popular, offering women a newfound sense of freedom and mobility. The bicycle craze challenged traditional notions of femininity. Publications from the time show us that critics worried about women adopting masculine traits, and doctors fretted about the health implications. The image encapsulates a moment of transition, a shift in societal norms. By examining advertisements, periodicals, and other historical documents, we can unpack the complex negotiations surrounding gender, leisure, and consumer culture at the turn of the century.