Banjo, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 5) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small chromolithograph of a banjo was produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company as a promotional insert. The image is printed on paper, likely using multiple lithographic stones to achieve its vibrant colors and intricate details. The banjo itself is festooned with roses, a decorative flourish that elevates it beyond a simple musical instrument. But the card’s real significance lies in its status as a mass-produced object. It reflects a shift in consumer culture, where companies like Kinney Brothers used these cards as a marketing strategy to promote their tobacco products, offering a small luxury to everyday consumers. These cards weren't 'art' in the traditional sense, but they employed skilled labor and advanced printing techniques. The result is a fascinating intersection of art, commerce, and social history. By considering the conditions of its production, we can understand how even a humble image like this reflects broader economic and cultural trends.