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

This is "Officer of the Day," a lithograph trading card made by Allen & Ginter, cigarette manufacturers based in Richmond, Virginia. Part of the “Parasol Drills” series, it reflects the late 19th-century fascination with military precision adapted for women's social exercises. These cards were designed to be collected, traded, and consumed alongside tobacco products, creating a mass culture saturated with images of idealized womanhood. Note the tension between the woman's traditionally feminine features and the implied militaristic role. What does it mean to see women adopting roles associated with power and authority, even if framed within the context of social drills? This image blurs the boundaries of gender and power. While seemingly a harmless commercial item, it reflects broader societal tensions around gender roles. This card invites us to consider the complexities of representation and how they shape our understanding of identity.