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

"Parade Rest", was created by Allen & Ginter, and forms part of the Parasol Drills series designed for cigarette brands. These cards were part of a late 19th-century marketing strategy that offered glimpses into an imagined world of leisure and sophistication. The series captures women in a lighthearted imitation of military drills, using parasols instead of rifles. Here, we see a woman in a fashionable dress, adorned with flowers and a rather elaborate hat, posed as if at ease during a military parade. It presents a narrative of femininity intertwined with a playful take on masculinity. It offers a glimpse into the cultural expectations of women at the time, where their roles were often ornamental and performative. The juxtaposition of military poses with feminine attire raises questions about gender roles. The woman's delicate features and elegant clothing contrast with the strict, disciplined nature of military drills, offering an alternative narrative. It also allows us to consider how identities are constructed and negotiated within specific historical and social contexts. It is a moment of reflection on the complexities of identity.