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

This image comes from a series of cigarette cards made by Allen & Ginter, depicting women engaged in parasol drills. The parasol itself—a symbol of delicate femininity—is here transformed into an instrument of precision and order. Consider the parasol’s metamorphosis: once a mere shield against the sun, it becomes a tool for synchronized movement, a testament to the era’s fascination with control and spectacle. The image evokes the ancient Roman drill formations, yet there is a subtle shift. We see echoes of Athena, the goddess of strategic warfare, but adorned in the garb of bourgeois elegance. Observe how the collective memory of power and discipline resurfaces in new guises, adapted and reshaped by the currents of time. The parasol, once associated with leisure, now embodies a complex interplay of tradition and transformation. The image becomes a potent symbol, reflecting the evolving roles and expectations of women.