A Skeleton in the Closet, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

"A Skeleton in the Closet" is a humorous illustration from the "Jokes" series of trade cards created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1890 to promote Duke brand cigarettes. The card depicts a young boy reaching into a cupboard, with a skeleton's bony hand appearing in the upper shelf. These trade cards, featuring humorous scenes, were a common marketing tactic of the time. The image is in a classic illustrative style, with rich colors and fine detail, typical of the late 19th-century printmaking techniques. "A Skeleton in the Closet" is now a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.