Commercial Traveller, from the Occupations for Women series (N166) for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes 1887

"Commercial Traveller" is a lithograph created by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Occupations for Women" series. These were printed as trade cards to be included with Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes. The series reflects the late 19th-century societal shifts as women began entering the workforce. What does it mean for the series to have been created by a company selling cigarettes? The image depicts a woman in traditionally masculine attire, suggesting a departure from conventional gender roles. Yet, her exaggerated curves and tight clothing also underscore prevailing expectations of femininity, creating a tension between empowerment and objectification. How does the representation of women in advertising shape our understanding of their evolving roles in society, and to what extent does it challenge or reinforce existing stereotypes? This image sparks conversations about the complexities of gender, labor, and representation during a transformative period in history.