Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This is a trade card featuring Pedro II, the Emperor of Brazil, produced around the turn of the century by the W. Duke, Sons & Co. What is particularly interesting about this image is less about the Emperor himself, but the series it belongs to and the company that produced it. These cards, which were included in packages of cigarettes, reflect the complex relationships between commerce, culture, and imperial power at the time. Duke was one of the first American companies to mass-produce cigarettes. They understood the power of advertising, especially when targeted at a broad audience. This series, which included rulers, flags, and coats of arms from around the world, reveals an effort to associate the consumption of tobacco with national pride and global awareness. The iconography of the Brazilian monarchy—crown, wreath, and national colors—is re-purposed as an advertisement. Understanding the history of such an image requires us to look at economic data, the history of advertising, and the legacies of colonialism.