Bandmaster, from the Occupations of Women series (N502) for Frishmuth's Tobacco Company

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th advertising with *Bandmaster*, a charming chromolithograph from Frishmuth's Tobacco *Occupations of Women* series (N502), issued in 1889. This tiny gem, measuring just 2¾ x 1½ inches, depicts a poised woman as a bandmaster—baton in hand, surrounded by musical instruments and perhaps a hint of furniture like a conductor's stand—challenging traditional gender norms by placing her in a leadership role typically reserved for men. Produced as a collectible insert for cigarette packs, this commercial color lithograph showcases the era's mastery of chromolithograp...