Eight of Spades, from the Transparent Playing Cards series (N220) issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This is the Eight of Spades, a playing card from the Transparent Playing Cards series (N220), made by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. Printed in the late 19th century, this card exists within a complex history. Tobacco companies often used such cards as promotional items, subtly weaving themselves into everyday leisure. But consider the broader context: the tobacco industry's deep roots in the exploitation of enslaved labor and its marketing strategies targeting marginalized communities. How do we reconcile the playful nature of a playing card with this darker history? The very act of playing cards can be loaded. Historically, gambling and card games have been associated with risk, chance, and the blurring of social boundaries. For some, it's a harmless pastime; for others, it’s a space of both opportunity and vulnerability. As you look at this card, think about the hands that have held it, the stakes involved, and the stories it could tell.