Governor Marble, Maine, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-2), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

Editor: Here we have a multi-paneled lithograph called "Governor Marble, Maine, from 'Governors, Arms, Etc.' series" made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. sometime between 1885 and 1892. It seems so unlike a portrait—more like an advertisement. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Oh, isn't it charming in its own quirky way? It’s less about high art, more about a moment in cultural history caught like a firefly in a jar. This lithograph was actually a cigarette card. Duke Cigarettes included these in their packs to stiffen them and, of course, to promote their brand. Editor: Cigarette cards! That's fascinating. It gives the portrait an entirely different context. Curator: Precisely! Think of it—Marble, probably a pillar of society, reduced to pocket-sized propaganda. And consider the juxtaposition. On either side we have symbolic representations of the State of Maine, fishing and logging scenes perhaps. It's quite folksy, don't you think? Does that inform our interpretation of his portrait, I wonder? Is Marble like a brand himself? Editor: So the visual narrative speaks of industry, local pride, even perhaps projecting ideas about who Duke Cigarettes appeal to. The composition choices definitely feel deliberate in that light. I learned something new today! Curator: Indeed! And perhaps Governor Marble wouldn't have minded being part of that narrative. Though, maybe he never knew! Now *that’s* something to ponder.