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

Editor: This is "Scholar, from the Occupations for Women series" created in 1887 by Goodwin & Company, made with gouache, coloured pencil, and print. It has the appearance of a trading card. She looks as if she is celebrating, but… a bit undressed. How should we interpret this? Curator: This piece is fascinating when viewed through a feminist lens. The "Occupations for Women" series, on the surface, seems to celebrate women's roles, but the artist's choices present an odd contradiction. Consider the costuming, or lack thereof, juxtaposed with the title. What does it mean to depict a “scholar” in this way, and for whom was this image made? Editor: So, the artist's intent might not be as straightforward as just portraying women in professions? Curator: Precisely. This image was made for cigarette cards. We must consider the context of commercial art in the late 19th century and how these images functioned to sell a product. Do you see a tension between empowerment and objectification here? Editor: Definitely. The overt sexuality seems at odds with the idea of scholarly pursuit. It almost feels satirical, as if poking fun at the notion of women in intellectual roles. Curator: That’s an interesting interpretation. Perhaps it speaks to societal anxieties around women entering traditionally male-dominated fields, using hyper-sexualization as a means of undermining female intellect. How does that reading sit with you? Editor: That makes a lot of sense! It highlights how advertising could subtly reinforce gender roles even while appearing to acknowledge female progress. Curator: Exactly! Thinking about art in its social and historical context is key to understanding its multilayered meanings, even in something as seemingly simple as a cigarette card. Editor: This has changed my perspective on how to look at even the smallest artworks. Everything is more complicated than it seems at first glance.