Steamship Alaska, Guion Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

This chromolithograph, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1887, is part of the "Ocean and River Steamers" series of trade cards promoting Duke brand cigarettes. The card depicts the steamship "Alaska" of the Guion Line, a prominent shipping company of the late 19th century. The ship is showcased against a backdrop of a woman's portrait, perhaps intended to personify the luxurious nature of ocean travel. The card's vibrant colors and detailed imagery capture the spirit of the era's fascination with technological advancement and the expanding reach of global trade. This piece, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a captivating example of the use of trade cards as a form of early 20th-century advertising.