Lake Trout, from the series Fishers and Fish (N74) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small card, depicting a lake trout, was made by Knapp & Company as part of a series of fish images included in packages of Duke brand cigarettes. Far from being a singular work of art, this card is a mass-produced object, made through industrial processes of printing. Notice the relatively muted palette, built from layers of ink laid down in careful registration. The image is skillfully done, but the intention wasn't exactly artistic; it was to promote a commodity. The card would have been a small enticement, a collectible. The visual style reflects its time, with a naturalistic depiction of the fish against a neutral backdrop. The very existence of these cards speaks volumes about the modes of production and consumption at the time. Cigarettes, once a luxury, were becoming a mass-market item. These cards helped to normalize smoking, by connecting it to leisure activities like fishing. So, this humble card becomes a window into the social and economic life of its era, blurring the lines between commerce, art, and everyday life.