Steamship Chateau Lafitte, Bordeaux Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

Curator: Good day! We’re standing before a curious relic of commercial art from 1887: a cigarette card promoting the Steamship Chateau Lafitte of the Bordeaux Line, by W. Duke, Sons & Co. Notice the charming details rendered in coloured pencil and print. Editor: My eye's immediately drawn to that young person staring hopefully into the upper-left distance – is that yearning or indigestion, I wonder? It's such a strange juxtaposition with the steamship and the competing flags. Curator: Well, consider the intended audience, perhaps. These cards were collectible inserts, and the idealized portrait could appeal to both men and women. Structurally, the image presents a diptych, cleanly bifurcated to promote commerce on both an international, and deeply personal scale. The Steamship’s portrait to the right serves as commercial incentive, while to the left... Editor: While to the left we find a very odd decorative frame of brown against which our curly-haired protagonist emerges from. This almost clashes against the backdrop featuring flags in the colors of liberty: Blue, White and Rouge - against which what? Open water, more flags! How’s a girl supposed to see when her brand loyalty requires so much extra staring! Curator: Quite. It’s all cleverly designed. The Steamship and flags signify adventure and trade, but what are the semiotic associations of those nautical vectors? Commerce? Competition? The suggestion of an ideal companion, set against the fantasy of luxurious travel aboard Chateau Lafitte? Editor: Exactly. She’s just daydreaming herself onto that boat! She will feel the breeze and visit with folks from exotic climes. I imagine, on one level at least, she wants to go West; and perhaps the tobacco manufacturer shares a common bond... This might be how they sold us cigarettes, then! I’ve found myself wondering something new, now... Curator: A potent, and seductive piece of advertising design, wouldn’t you agree? One wonders how effective these were, and what kind of consumer culture they inspired. Editor: Absolutely. The interplay of idealized faces, maritime imagery, and good old salesmanship tells a fascinating story. There are so many micro details embedded into that simple design which still manage to raise macro questions today...