Mandolin, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 3) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is a small chromolithograph of a mandolin that was issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company around the turn of the 20th century as part of a series of novelty cards. Tobacco cards were originally included in cigarette packages to stiffen them and protect the contents, and were quickly recognized as a cheap and effective way of advertising. What began as a practical measure soon became an opportunity for mass-produced images to circulate widely, creating a shared visual culture. The mandolin here, with its floral decoration, speaks to the rising popularity of domestic music-making among the middle classes. The instrument becomes an aspirational symbol, aligning the consumption of tobacco with leisure and refinement. To understand the popularity of these cards, we need to look at the history of advertising, consumer culture, and the social rituals surrounding tobacco use. A deep dive into trade catalogs, company records, and period publications can reveal the complex web of meanings embedded in these seemingly simple images. Remember, the art is always rooted in the society that produces it.