A Full Hand, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This is “A Full Hand,” a lithograph from the Jokes series made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. which was a brand of cigarette manufacturer in the late 19th century. Here, we see a characterization of working-class masculinity, rendered through the lens of humor and commerce. The so-called joke series were trading cards inserted in cigarette packs, acting as both a collector's item and a promotional tool. At the time, tobacco companies often used images to appeal to consumers and perpetuate social narratives. The depiction of the worker with an exaggerated and perhaps caricatured appearance could reflect the era’s attitudes towards labor and class. How does this portrayal intersect with issues of identity and representation? The card invites us to consider the historical contexts that shape our understanding of class, labor, and the power dynamics inherent in consumer culture.