From the Sports Girls series (N463) for Old Port Plug Tobacco 1886 - 1899

This small, chromolithographic print is from the Sports Girls series, made for Old Port Plug Tobacco. Immediately, the figure's rigid, frontal pose and the flattening of space command attention. The artist uses a limited palette of blues, reds, greens and whites. This creates a striking contrast that simplifies form and enhances legibility. The composition is structured around vertical lines of the bowler's striped shirt. These are balanced by the soft curve of her white trousers. The visual rhythm is interrupted by blocks of text, ‘CHEW’ at the top and ‘OLD PORT PLUG’ at the bottom. The use of text as image element is not to be ignored as it anchors the figure within a commercial context. The print operates semiotically, using cultural codes to convey messages about gender, sport, and consumerism. The bowler embodies modern ideals of athleticism and empowerment. The image destabilizes traditional gender roles by portraying a woman participating in sports. At the same time, it reinforces consumer culture by linking this progressive image to a brand of chewing tobacco. In viewing this small yet complex piece, consider how the artist’s choices function both aesthetically and as a reflection of broader societal shifts.