Bicycling, from the Pretty Athletes series (N196) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

"Bicycling," from the "Pretty Athletes" series, is a trade card issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in 1889. The card depicts a woman in a military-inspired jacket and red tights riding a penny-farthing bicycle, a popular style of bicycle with a large front wheel. The card's bright colors and simple design reflect the aesthetic of the late 19th century. These trade cards were often used as advertising by companies to promote their products, in this case, the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The card's depiction of a woman engaged in a physically demanding activity showcases the changing social roles of women in the late 19th century, as cycling was becoming increasingly popular for women as a form of recreation and exercise.