He Stoops to Conquer, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This small card, part of the Jokes series (N87) created for Duke brand cigarettes, likely dates to the late 19th century. It's made with chromolithography, a color printing technique allowing for mass production, which speaks volumes about industrialization at the time. The image itself, of a young boy playing marbles, seems innocent enough. But consider how its vibrant colors and glossy finish were achieved through layers of printing, a process that demanded skilled labor and a sophisticated understanding of chemistry. The card's small scale and its intended function as a disposable item belie the complexity of its making. Chromolithography democratized images, but it also relied on exploitative labor practices. This card, therefore, is more than just a charming scene; it's a window into the economic and social dynamics of its time. It asks us to think critically about the relationship between art, industry, and consumption.