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

This colorful lithograph, titled "Lyre," is part of a series of cigarette cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888. It depicts a woman, dressed in a flowing white robe, playing a lyre, an ancient string instrument. The card, which measures 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches, is a prime example of the popular use of imagery in advertising during the late 19th century. The card's visual elements, including the woman's elegant attire and the instrument's graceful design, represent the artistic and refined taste that Duke brand cigarettes aimed to appeal to. Today, it is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offering a glimpse into the history of advertising and popular culture.