History of Jake Kilrain, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is a chromolithograph print from the "Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People" booklet series. The artwork, created in 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., features a portrait of Jake Kilrain, a famous American boxer. The image presents Kilrain in a close-up shot, wearing a dark coat with a fur collar and a red bowtie. The image is set against a yellowed background with a pair of boxing gloves displayed at the bottom. This piece, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, was produced as a promotional item for Duke brand cigarettes. The small size and illustrative style of the artwork are typical of 19th-century trade cards, reflecting the use of these objects as collectibles for consumers and advertising tools.