Life of Adelina Patti-Nicolini, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, part of the “Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People” series for Duke brand cigarettes, depicts the renowned opera singer Adelina Patti. Created in 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., the image portrays Patti in a close-up portrait, showcasing her elegant attire and refined features. The use of vibrant colors and a simple background highlights her prominence as a celebrated figure in the world of music. This small-scale artwork, measuring just 2 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches when closed, exemplifies the popularity of collectible cards in the late 19th century. Today, the print resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.