The Flower Fair, Spain, from the Holidays series (N80) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph promoting Duke brand cigarettes presents us with a scene titled "The Flower Fair, Spain." The composition is divided into distinct layers, each contributing to the overall visual and thematic structure. In the foreground, we see a woman adorned with flowers, seated perhaps in a carriage. Behind her, elongated trees under a moonlit sky create a backdrop that seems both romantic and somewhat artificial. The artist uses color to further distinguish these layers. The vibrant reds and pinks of the flowers and the woman's dress contrast with the muted blues and greens of the background, creating a sense of depth. Such images reflect the growing consumer culture of the late 19th century, where art was increasingly integrated into advertising. The artwork uses a visual language which speaks to ideas of beauty and exoticism to elevate a simple product. The romantic, almost dreamlike setting encourages us to associate the brand with a world of fantasy and escape.