La Mon and Cary, from the Actresses series (N203) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This cigarette card, produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co., features two actresses, La Mon and Cary, in what appears to be a vaudeville act. The bicycle is the central motif, embodying modernity and progress in the late 19th century. However, the bicycle as a symbol is not entirely new; the wheel has been used for centuries, not only as a symbol of movement but also of fortune, as seen in the ancient Roman goddess Fortuna, who spins her wheel to determine the fate of men. Similarly, the bicycle carries the modern promise of freedom and control over one's destiny. The image as a whole evokes a sense of dynamism and perhaps even a subtle rebellion against traditional roles, engaging viewers with the excitement of technological advancement and the allure of the stage. This convergence creates a powerful force that resonates deeply with our collective aspirations for progress and liberation.