Pandean Pipes, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card titled "Pandean Pipes" from the Musical Instruments series, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The card features a woman playing a set of panpipes. Note the composition, it is organized around vertical and horizontal lines. Vertically, the pipes and the woman's torso create a strong central axis. Horizontally, the base of the instrument and the woman’s gaze direct our eye across the image. The use of color is restrained, primarily pinks and browns, which creates a soft, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The texture is flat, typical of a mass-produced print. The inclusion of the brand name is not merely decorative; it is an integral part of the artwork, blurring the lines between art and commerce. Consider how the image uses cultural associations of music and beauty to sell a product. This interplay challenges traditional notions of artistic value and meaning.