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

This is "Hussar", a lithograph card made by Goodwin & Company, part of the “Occupations for Women” series. These cards emerged amidst a late 19th-century cultural landscape grappling with evolving gender roles. As women increasingly entered the workforce, popular culture responded by both celebrating and sexualizing these new roles. This card reflects that tension. The woman is dressed in the uniform of a Hussar, a European light cavalry soldier, but her exaggerated curves and presentation serve to titillate rather than honor any real military function. What does it mean to recast a woman in the role of a soldier? Does it reflect a genuine expansion of possibilities, or does it reinforce a superficial performance? These images were included in cigarette packs, and were aimed at male consumers. Ultimately, “Hussar” invites us to consider the complex ways in which women's identities were both celebrated and commodified during a transformative era. It’s a playful yet poignant reminder of the ongoing negotiation between empowerment and objectification.