Fencing Master, from the Occupations of Women series (N502) for Frishmuth's Tobacco Company 1889

This small chromolithograph, made in the United States for Frishmuth's Tobacco Company, comes from a series depicting women in various occupations. The image presents a fanciful take on women's roles, showing a 'fencing master' in a somewhat theatrical costume. These images, distributed with tobacco products, reflect the social and cultural norms of the time. The late 19th century was a period of rapid social change, including evolving ideas about women's roles in society. While some women were entering professions previously dominated by men, popular culture often presented stereotypical or idealized versions of these roles. This particular image is likely intended to be humorous or titillating rather than a serious depiction of a female fencing instructor. Understanding these images requires a look into the archives of popular culture. Trade cards like this one were a common form of advertising and entertainment. They provide valuable insights into the social attitudes and economic structures of the time. By studying such sources, we can better understand how art and commerce intersected to shape our perceptions of gender and labor.