Oliver Wendell Holmes, from the series Great Americans (N76) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph of Oliver Wendell Holmes was produced around the turn of the century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of a series of collectible cards for Duke brand cigarettes. The portrait is framed by symbolic objects: books, an oil lamp and pen, signifying knowledge and intellectual pursuits. The composition employs a formal structure typical of portraiture, yet it functions within a commercial context. The subject's gaze is directed upwards, perhaps suggesting enlightenment, but the inclusion of books and writing implements seems almost allegorical, hinting at Holmes's literary and academic achievements, while reinforcing a certain cultural ideal. The layering of these symbols flattens the pictorial space and draws attention to the surface of the card itself. Consider the interplay between representation and consumerism here, where the image is both a depiction of an individual and a promotional item. This tension highlights the constructed nature of fame and the commodification of cultural values within a rapidly changing industrial landscape.