Harp, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is Harp, from the Musical Instruments series, a lithograph card created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century as part of cigarette packaging. These cards existed within a burgeoning culture of mass production and advertising, reflecting a time when consumerism was rapidly evolving. Tobacco companies often used images of women to evoke aspiration, romance, and beauty, subtly linking these desirable qualities to their products. Here, the woman’s association with the harp, an instrument of refinement, implies that smoking Duke cigarettes can elevate one's social status. The representation of women on these cards tells us about the constraints and expectations of femininity during this era, where their images were often used to sell products while reinforcing traditional gender roles. While seemingly innocuous, these cards offer insight into the complex interplay between commerce, gender, and identity in the late 19th century. They remind us how consumer culture shapes our perceptions of beauty and aspiration.