A Short History: Admiral David D. Porter, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This small chromolithograph was made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as an advertisement for Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco. Far from high art, it is printed on thin card, typical of the commercial materials increasingly common at the time. The portrait and naval scenes are rendered with remarkable detail, considering the constraints of mass production. Chromolithography involves using multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color. The success of this technique depended on the skills of the draughtsman and the press operator, and on strict division of labor. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, reflect the rise of consumer culture and mass media. By associating their brand with images of respected figures like Admiral Porter, Duke hoped to instill a sense of quality and trustworthiness in their product. The card exemplifies how images were being used to shape public opinion and promote consumption in a rapidly changing world. We can see how materials, making, and context are important in understanding its meaning, blurring the boundaries between commerce, art, and social history.