Recover Arms, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small chromolithograph was made by Allen and Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia, as part of a series of collectible cards. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, were included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. This card, titled "Recover Arms," depicts a woman in fashionable attire holding a parasol, referencing a military drill command. But what does this mean? By depicting a fashionable woman performing a military drill, the card playfully challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. This image coincides with the rise of the "New Woman" in American society, who advocated for greater independence and equality. Looking at the design, the artist uses visual cues such as clothing and accessories to convey social status and femininity, while incorporating military symbolism to challenge the established social norms. Understanding this card requires looking into popular culture, gender studies, and the history of advertising. The interpretation of art is always linked to the social and institutional context in which it was created.