From the series "Sports Girls" (C190), issued by the American Cigarette Company, Ltd., Montreal, to promote Gloria Cigarettes 1885 - 1895

This small promotional card, made by the American Cigarette Company, presents a woman dressed as a jockey, embodying a potent mix of sport and elegance. Notice the riding crop she holds. It's a symbol of control and mastery, harking back to ancient equestrian cultures where the rider's skill was paramount. We find echoes of this in classical equestrian statues, where the rider's posture and the horse's dynamism convey power and authority. Yet, here, the figure is a woman, challenging traditional roles and projecting a modern image of female empowerment through sport. The red sash mirrors the sashes worn across the chest by royalty in paintings. Could this suggest a transference of aristocratic power, or the idea of ‘glory’ hinted at by the brand name, being attainable through sporting achievements? It’s a fascinating twist, reflecting evolving societal values and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity that is so clearly visualised in this promotional card.