A Short History of General Ambrose Everett Burnside, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small booklet was created around 1900 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., using chromolithography, a color printing technique that allows for mass production. The medium influences the appearance of this artwork, with its flat, vibrant colors and intricate details achieved through layering multiple lithographic stones. Chromolithography allowed companies like Duke to produce these collectible cards cheaply and quickly, inserting them into cigarette packs as a marketing gimmick. The processes involved were highly industrialized, with specialized laborers operating printing presses, cutting, and assembling the booklets. This mode of production highlights the connection between mass culture, consumerism, and the commodification of history. The very act of collecting these cards became a social activity, blurring the boundaries between art, advertising, and everyday life. It challenges our perception of art, inviting us to consider the cultural and economic forces that shape our aesthetic experiences.