Begun in the 17th century in England, trade cards were originially designed to advertise a company or a product. While attending the Rhode Island School of Design, Charlotte Perkins Gilman used this popular advertising technique to share her thoughts of a woman's experience in modern society. Gilman's early critique of gender roles through an artistic medium would later transform into a life-long vocation. After finishing school, Gilman began to lecture and publish on controversial topics of the day including race, evolution and gender roles. Her most famous work Yellow Wallpaper offers readers a semi-autobiographical glimpse into one woman's experience with post-partum depression.This trading card is one of a six card set that Gilman designed. One possible interpretation of the featured image could be a young maiden entering the adult world. Other themes represented on the five companion cards convey the innocence of childhood, the responsibilities of adulthood and the sombering experience of death.