Three Ages of Woman

Providence, RI, c1880s. A set of six (6) album cards representing the ages of woman as depicted by fantasy flower people. Chromolithograph with gold background. Each incorporating the need for woman to be taken seriously, yet with a bit of fancy or whimsy added. As noted in Kevin Mac Donnell's excellent article (ABAA - Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Trade Card Designs) there are three secular cards and three religious cards. The secular woman evolves from a daisy to a buttercup and finally a delicate rose. The the religious woman evolves from a morning glory to a calla lily to an iris becoming more subdued. Although the cards were designed as trade cards, this particular set is album cards, the reverse is blank. Each marked at lower right with margin with word "copyright". Each measures 3" x 4 3/8". Irregular margins. Edges crisp. 1/8" light edge wear on calla lily lily card. (Inventory #: 1111270)