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

This chromolithograph entitled 'Drum, from the Musical Instruments series', was produced around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Duke brand cigarettes. The image depicts a young woman in a stylized military uniform, complete with a drum and drumsticks, in a conflation of gendered and patriotic symbols. Here we see the complexities of late 19th-century society, where norms of femininity were frequently blended with nationalistic fervor in popular culture. Note how the woman's androgynous presentation challenges conventional gender roles, yet simultaneously reinforces nationalistic pride. Despite the overt commercial purpose, there's an undeniable emotional resonance. The woman's determined gaze and the vibrant colors evoke a sense of optimism and progress. The image encapsulates the era’s aspirations, but also its contradictions. It prompts us to consider the role of women in shaping cultural and national identity during a time of rapid social change.