Governor Rusk, Wisconsin, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-2), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

This is a trade card from the late 19th century, printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co., to promote their cigarettes. Made of paper, ink, and probably a varnish, this small rectangle is a window into the world of mass-produced advertising. The lithographic printing process allowed for vibrant colors and intricate detail, crucial for capturing the portrait of Governor Rusk, alongside images representing Wisconsin’s industry and landscape. But this wasn't about art for art's sake. The card was designed to be collected, traded, and, most importantly, to associate Duke Cigarettes with notions of progress and prosperity. Note the mention of lead mines, the North Point Lighthouse and then the boast that the company produces over two million cigarettes a day. The card is thus tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. This unassuming card demonstrates how capitalist enterprise infiltrated everyday life, blurring the lines between commerce and culture.