Hollyhock: Ambition, from the series Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers (N75) for Duke brand cigarettes 1892

"Hollyhock: Ambition," from the series *Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers (N75)* for Duke brand cigarettes, is a chromolithograph from 1892. The American Tobacco Company created this series to promote their cigarettes, associating them with the beauty and symbolism of flowers. The image depicts a young woman adorned with a hollyhock, which in Victorian floral symbolism, represented ambition and aspiration. The woman's delicate features and the ornate floral arrangements contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the card, showcasing the artistry employed in cigarette advertising during this era. This piece provides valuable insight into the visual culture of the late 19th century.