A new art exhibition at Princeton is exploring the intersection of feminism and clothing politics through a fascinating collection of 19th-century cartoons. The exhibit showcases how society reacted to women wearing pants during that era, revealing deep-seated anxieties and widespread ridicule toward women who challenged traditional dress codes.

The exhibition features a comprehensive collection of cartoon illustrations from the 1800s that document public attitudes toward women's clothing choices. These historical cartoons serve as visual evidence of the cultural resistance women faced when they attempted to adopt more practical clothing, particularly trousers, which were traditionally considered exclusively male attire.

The artwork on display reveals how clothing became a battleground for women's rights and social acceptance during the 19th century. The cartoons depicted in the exhibition show various forms of mockery and social commentary directed at women who dared to wear pants, illustrating the broader societal tensions surrounding women's evolving roles and freedoms.

Through these historical illustrations, the Princeton exhibition demonstrates how fashion choices were deeply political acts that challenged established gender norms. The collection provides visitors with insight into the struggles women faced as they sought greater freedom of movement and expression through their clothing choices, making this exhibition both an artistic and educational experience about the history of women's rights.