Acorn, from the Miniature Novelties series (N120) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1891

Editor: Here we have "Acorn, from the Miniature Novelties series," a collotype print created around 1891 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It looks like an advertisement. I’m initially struck by how strange it is: two women's portraits awkwardly juxtaposed with decorative botanical elements, like something in between Ukiyo-e and Rococo! What sense can we make of it? Curator: Well, it IS a little bonkers, isn’t it? And all this to sell…tobacco! Now, put yourself in the shoes – or perhaps the smoking jacket – of a late 19th-century consumer. Tobacco cards like this were essentially miniature works of art, little rewards tucked into your pack. This is visual candy meant to grab your attention amid all the other advertisements. They were wildly popular. What do you make of the poses? Editor: They're both so demure and innocent looking. Their gazes seem almost confrontational despite the otherwise saccharine feel. Curator: Exactly! And it's a savvy choice. These images spoke of gentility and perhaps a bit of aspirational lifestyle for the consumer, connecting smoking tobacco with elegance and beauty. And those floral designs--decorative art at its best. The contrast with the very masculine act of chewing tobacco is striking, wouldn't you say? The acorn, an element of nature that becomes almost jewel-like! I am so curious about that design choice. Editor: That makes a lot of sense, especially thinking about it in terms of mass appeal, but the more I consider, the more I feel that its message could be subversive and satirical, as well! Curator: Oh, I like where you're going with that. The very absurdity of the juxtaposition becomes the point! Art of marketing, art as critique... food for thought. Editor: Definitely a new perspective on looking at advertisement. Thanks!