Trombone and Tuba, from the Musical Instruments series (N121) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

This is a trade card, part of the Musical Instruments series by W. Duke, Sons & Co., dating from the late 19th century, a time when advertising often intertwined with cultural ideals. These cards were inserted into tobacco products to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco and reflect the era's aesthetic and societal norms. The card depicts women with musical instruments, embodying an ideal of femininity and refinement. Yet, it also subtly hints at the burgeoning role of women in public life. While the women are adorned in fashionable dresses that emphasize beauty and grace, they are also associated with instruments that produce sound, and project the self. The image carries a tension, reflecting a society where women were both celebrated for their decorative qualities and, simultaneously, on the cusp of demanding a more active role in society. This card offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation of identity and representation during a transformative period. The way gender and class are performed in the artwork provides a window into the broader cultural conversations that resonate even today.