General L. Bogran, President of Honduras, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-1) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This late 19th century lithograph of General Luis Bográn, President of Honduras, was produced by W. Duke Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their 'Honest Long Cut' tobacco. It's a window into the intertwined worlds of commerce, nationalism, and political imagery. The card presents Bográn alongside the Honduran flag and coat of arms. These symbols, placed alongside a tobacco advertisement, highlight how national identity was being packaged and sold to consumers. The inclusion of the coat of arms, with its motto 'Dios, Union y Libertad' – God, Union, and Liberty – suggests the values associated with both the nation and the product. The depiction of miners at the base of the flag is evocative of the socio-economic conditions of Honduras at the time. Further research into the Duke company records, as well as Honduran history, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how this image functions within its specific cultural and commercial context.