Guitar and Mandolin, from the Musical Instruments series (N121) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

W. Duke, Sons & Co. created this promotional trade card for Honest Long Cut Tobacco around the turn of the century. During this period, mass-produced advertising often featured idealized images of women, subtly selling not just the product but also a vision of femininity. Here, two women are depicted with musical instruments, embodying the era's romanticized view of women as gentle and cultured. These images tell us a lot about the roles women were expected to fill: they are portrayed as objects of beauty and leisure, reinforcing prevailing gender norms. Consider how their clothing and adornments reflect this ideal, almost as though they are instruments themselves. The trade card presents an interesting cultural snapshot. While seemingly benign, it underscores the complex relationship between commerce, gender, and representation in the late 19th century. It’s a reminder of how deeply ingrained these images were in everyday life and how they continue to shape our perceptions today.