A Short History of Admiral Andrew Hult Foote, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small card was made around the turn of the century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of a series of collectible cards included with Duke brand cigarettes. Printed on paper through a lithographic process, it depicts Admiral Andrew Hult Foote, a naval officer from the American Civil War. The card's surface is smooth, with a matte finish, ideal for capturing the minute details of Foote's portrait and uniform. The lithographic technique allowed for mass production, tying this object directly to industrial processes and consumer culture. Unlike a painted portrait, the image is multiplied and distributed widely, connecting it to the era's booming tobacco industry and its marketing strategies. Consider the labor involved in the production of these cards, from the artists and technicians creating the images to the factory workers assembling the cigarette packs. Though small, this card represents significant shifts in labor, politics, and consumption during its time. It highlights the blurring of lines between commercial ephemera and historical documentation, inviting us to think about value, utility, and the rich context in which all objects are made and circulated.