Unmatched, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

"Unmatched," a lithograph, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of the "Jokes" series to promote Duke brand cigarettes. These cards, which were common in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural values and stereotypes of the time. The image presents an exaggerated, caricatured figure that plays into the cultural norms of humor that were common at the time. What does it mean to laugh at someone? How does humor work to enforce social hierarchies? The figure’s exaggerated features, like the mismatched eyes and unkempt appearance, invite the viewer to laugh. The card’s title, "Unmatched," likely refers to the figure's disheveled appearance. Such depictions reflect a social context in which appearance was tied to one's social standing and respectability. The card creates a stark contrast between an ideal presentation of the self, versus the reality of this character. The jokes and images found on cigarette cards can tell us a lot about society and its values at that moment.