Brain Food / He Stoops to Conquer, from the Jokes series (N118) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890 - 1893

This chromolithograph was produced around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to advertise Honest Long Cut Tobacco. The card juxtaposes images of intellectual and leisurely pursuits, reflecting the societal values and gender roles of the late 19th century. The phrase 'Brain Food' is emblazoned above a goat reading a book entitled 'Darwin', suggesting intellectual curiosity. Below, the words 'He Stoops to Conquer', are positioned above an image of a young boy playing marbles. The boy is a picture of privilege, a stark contrast to the laboring class of the time, a class often exploited by the tobacco industry. This advertisement subtly conveys the message that the consumption of tobacco is compatible with both intellectual pursuits and the enjoyment of leisure, while cleverly playing on class distinctions.