Washington Arch, from the Transparencies series (N137) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1884 - 1890

Curator: Here we have "Washington Arch, from the Transparencies series (N137)" printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1884 and 1890. It’s a small print, incorporating colored pencils and drawing techniques. It was created to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco. Editor: Immediately I see the warmth! The sepia tones, the way the sunset hues are hitting the arch… It feels nostalgic, like a faded memory, but still vibrant. It's this iconic structure made almost domestic, wouldn't you say? Curator: Yes, there is something intimate about the scene, perhaps a function of its origin as a promotional item. These “transparencies” were included in tobacco products. We might consider the cultural weight it carries—the Washington Arch as a symbol of civic pride, condensed onto a little piece of paper included with a product like tobacco. Editor: I like that “condensed” feeling, actually. The arch feels monumental, sure, but those tiny figures near the base shrink it somehow, making it human-scaled. It's grand, but not imposing. The arch isn't just a landmark, but almost a passage, an opening to a hopeful vision of progress in New York. Curator: Consider also how this image fits within the broader cultural understanding of arches. They have signified triumph and commemoration since ancient Roman times. Even in this advertisement format, that historical echo remains, shaping our reception of the image. The arch invites not only viewing, but transit. Its openness provides passage for citizens, ideas, and products. Editor: Oh, the passage of products, nicely said! That shifts my perspective on it. Suddenly, it’s not just about beautiful architecture but also about branding and the burgeoning consumer culture. The arch is beautiful and meaningful. Also, buy more tobacco! I find that kind of delightful in its own strange way. Curator: These objects are fascinating time capsules in that way. Layer upon layer of significance embedded in a fleeting commercial gesture. The drawing captures an ideal, even while subtly reminding us of commerce and its underlying influence on even the grandest cityscapes. Editor: So true. Next time I’m near Washington Square Park, I’ll have to picture this little tobacco advertisement, infusing the site with one more strange, charming, slightly smoky, memory.