Hunter, from the Occupations for Women series (N166) for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes 1887

“Hunter, from the Occupations for Women series” was made by Goodwin & Company as a chromolithograph to advertise Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes. This work embodies the paradoxes inherent in the representation of women in the late 19th century. These trading cards emerged during a period of increasing visibility for women in the public sphere, yet they often reinforced traditional gender roles. The image of a woman dressed as a hunter is striking, presenting a figure engaged in a traditionally masculine activity. Consider, however, her attire: the fitted bodice and stylized presentation contrast sharply with the practical needs of hunting. This image seems less about empowering women and more about creating a fantasy, appealing to the male gaze while subtly acknowledging women's changing roles. The emotional undercurrent here is complex, reflecting a society grappling with shifting gender dynamics, and presenting a romanticized, yet ultimately constrained, vision of female possibility.