Padlock, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 3) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is Padlock, a trade card from the Novelties series, made by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, were inserted into cigarette packs as collectibles. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural values and aesthetic preferences of the era. This particular card presents a romanticized vision of femininity. It depicts a woman in profile, adorned with an elaborate hat and dress, encased within a padlock shape. The image plays on the idea of women as objects to be possessed, locked away, and controlled. The very act of associating a woman with a padlock raises questions about the era's attitudes towards female autonomy and desire. These cards were widely circulated, shaping and reflecting societal attitudes. While seemingly innocuous, they reveal the subtle ways in which gendered power dynamics were normalized and perpetuated. This image leaves me thinking about the complex interplay of desire, ownership, and representation.