Carnival at Nice, France, from the Holidays series (N80) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph, part of a cigarette card series made by W. Duke & Sons around 1900, depicts the Carnival at Nice. These cards, printed in mass quantities using industrial techniques, were designed as collectibles to stiffen cigarette packs and entice consumers. The process involved creating a series of printing plates to apply layers of colored ink to paper, resulting in an image that is both vibrant and reproducible. Note the dot screen and slightly off-register printing. The card’s glossy surface and bold colors, achieved through industrial printing, reflect the era's fascination with mass production and consumer culture. The image itself, depicting a performer in harlequin dress, promotes a sense of exoticism and leisure, aimed at the aspirational desires of smokers. The card speaks volumes about the intersection of advertising, art, and the burgeoning consumerism of the late 19th century. While seemingly insignificant, this small piece of printed ephemera offers insights into the social and economic forces shaping visual culture.