Auld Lang Syne, from the Illustrated Songs series (N116) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1893

Editor: Here we have “Auld Lang Syne” from 1893, part of the Illustrated Songs series by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It's a colored pencil print. It feels…nostalgic, almost like a memory fading at the edges. The way they are holding flowers, with that shared glance...What do you see in this piece, from your perspective? Curator: I see a carefully constructed tableau steeped in the symbolism of memory and tradition. Notice how the couple is positioned - they aren’t simply standing side-by-side; their arms are linked, an overt symbol of enduring connection. And those flowers? I wonder, what significance do they carry? Editor: Maybe the flowers represent a promise, or something else related to Scottish heritage since the text says "Auld Lang Syne?" Curator: Precisely. It begs the question, doesn’t it, of cultural continuity? "Auld Lang Syne" is a song about remembering old friends, right? The image translates into a larger narrative of shared identity and heritage. These weren’t randomly chosen figures in generic garb, that I can assure you. It evokes familiarity despite geographic distance and is likely intentional as this was used to advertise Tobacco. What would compel them to portray the Scottish people in such a gentle light? Editor: Hmmm...I didn't even realize the image could possibly translate that kind of complexity and nostalgia to motivate buyers, very interesting perspective. Curator: Advertising often works subtly, intertwining cultural signifiers with consumer desire. Perhaps what it truly evokes is the shared memory between the past and the possibility of it being just like the past one was accustomed to. It may bring upon sentimentality for those wishing to buy and be merry for tobacco users! Editor: That makes perfect sense. Looking at it now, it does seem to weave this almost idyllic story. It’s a different way of thinking about it than I had initially considered! Curator: Art invites us to uncover its layered meanings, particularly where commerce and culture intersect!