Card 15, from the Girl Cyclists series (N49) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1887

This is Card 15 from the Girl Cyclists series by Allen & Ginter, a sepia-toned image likely produced as a promotional card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The figure is centrally placed, with the bicycle's large front wheel dominating the visual field, creating a strong circular form that contrasts with the rectangular format of the card. The composition uses the bicycle wheel as a framing element. The cyclist's pose, with one foot on the pedal, creates a dynamic diagonal line, interrupting the static nature of the overall composition. This tension between static form and dynamic line gives the image a subtle energy. The image challenges established meanings by portraying a woman in what was then a modern, active role. The photograph's formal structure reflects broader cultural shifts, using the visual language of advertising to engage with contemporary ideas about women's roles and freedoms. The photograph destabilizes traditional gender roles and presents a new vision of female identity through its composition.