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

Editor: This is "Shooting, from the Pretty Athletes series," created around 1889 by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. It’s a print and drawing that gives a somewhat romanticized and cartoonish image of a female athlete. What’s your perspective on this piece? Curator: Well, these images were originally created as collectible trade cards, right? That in itself places the artwork firmly within the social fabric of the late 19th century, specifically capitalism. Think about what messages such commercial images promote, particularly around gender and class. Is this ‘pretty athlete’ accessible to all women, or just a select few? And what notions of femininity are being constructed here through the lens of athleticism and rifle ownership? Editor: So, you’re suggesting it’s not just a harmless depiction of sport, but that it actually reinforces existing power structures? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the implied narratives of leisure and access tied to ‘shooting’ as a sport. Whose leisure is being depicted, and who might be excluded from such pursuits due to societal constraints like economic status or gender expectations? It reflects a carefully constructed image of idealized womanhood within the specific social dynamics of that era. Also, the "Pretty Athletes" series, seems to push boundaries but maybe reinforces ideals about female appearances. Don't you think? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I never considered how something as simple as a trade card could reflect so much about social inequalities. I guess it's a reminder to look beyond the surface and ask, “Who is this really for, and what’s it saying about the world at the time?" Curator: Exactly. Art, even in these small formats, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. By examining the artwork's social context, we uncover fascinating insights into the dominant ideologies and power dynamics that shape representation and reception.