Saxophone, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This lithograph, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for Duke brand cigarettes, features a woman holding a saxophone. In the late 19th century, the saxophone was relatively new, but already carried connotations of modernity. Consider the motif of the female musician throughout history. From the muses of antiquity to representations of Saint Cecilia, music and femininity were intertwined. In ancient Greece, the lyre was associated with Apollo, but also with the intoxicating power of Dionysus, hinting at music's potential to both enlighten and bewitch. Observe the woman's confident gaze; she embodies the allure of the modern age. This echoes through time in art, where musical instruments often symbolize harmony, creativity, and emotional expression. Here, she embodies the saxophone’s burgeoning sound, suggesting a future filled with new possibilities. What emotions does her image and the instrument evoke?