Four Hearts (red), from the Playing Cards series (N84) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is “Four Hearts (red)” from the Playing Cards series for Duke brand cigarettes, made around the turn of the 20th century by W. Duke, Sons & Co. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as collectibles, reflecting the era's burgeoning consumer culture. These small cards offer a glimpse into the marketing strategies of the time, but also into the broader societal landscape. In the late 19th century, tobacco companies often used images that reinforced prevailing social norms and aspirations. The symbolism of hearts could be seen as an appeal to notions of love, luck, or even status, enticing smokers with more than just tobacco. This card, like others in the series, acted as a small cultural artifact, one that helped shape desires and identities amidst the rapid changes of the industrial age. What might seem like a simple playing card also reveals a complex interplay between commerce, identity, and visual culture.