Commissioner, from the Occupations for Women series (N166) for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes 1887

This small chromolithograph, printed by Goodwin & Company, presents a figure labeled "Commissioner" for Old Judge and Dogs Head Cigarettes. The image is rich with symbolic undertones relating to women in the workforce. The central figure, a woman, carries both a basket and a package, indicating her role in commerce and trade. Even though this image has been made to advertise cigarettes, the artist has included classical symbols, such as the round brooch on the woman’s dress, reminiscent of ancient Roman figures. The "Commissioner" figure is a reimagining of classical archetypes. In ancient societies, certain roles were strictly gendered, yet here we see a woman actively participating in the public sphere. Consider how, over centuries, symbols of labor and commerce have been continuously redefined and adapted to suit changing cultural values. Such images speak to a deep, underlying desire to reconcile tradition with modernity, reflecting the complex interplay between our collective memory and the evolving roles of women.