Card 11, from the Girl Cyclists series (N49) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1887

This small card, part of a series of collectible cards for Virginia Brights Cigarettes, presents us with a young woman confidently riding a high-wheel bicycle. Made in the late 19th century, likely in the United States, the card reflects a fascinating moment of social change. Cycling became a hugely popular pastime, offering women a newfound sense of freedom and mobility. This image challenges conventional gender roles, presenting a ‘new woman’ who is active, independent, and embracing modern technology. It also acts as a cultural artifact that reflects how industries at the time would try to appeal to a broader audience by reflecting these changes. Historians can study trade cards, advertisements, and other printed ephemera to understand better the social and cultural attitudes of the time. By examining these seemingly trivial objects, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between commerce, gender, and technological advancement. The image is both conservative in its advertising, and progressive in its imagery of women.