Washington Irving, from the series Great Americans (N76) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph portraying Washington Irving was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as an advertisement for Duke brand cigarettes sometime between 1870 and 1920. This was a time when mass media and consumer culture were rapidly expanding in the United States. The image offers a window into the cultural values of the period. The decision to include Washington Irving in the “Great Americans” series suggests a desire to associate the cigarette brand with high culture and patriotism. Irving is depicted in formal attire, signifying his status as a respected literary figure, while in the background is an image of Rip Van Winkle. The figure connects Irving to American folklore and national identity, which speaks to the social function of art as something that reinforces a sense of cultural pride. Further research into the marketing strategies of tobacco companies like Duke, and the role of advertising in shaping cultural values during this period will surely provide an even richer understanding.