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

"Kettle Drum" is a chromolithograph card produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co., around the turn of the 20th century, as part of a series of musical instruments. These cards were included in packs of Duke cigarettes. This piece, like others in the series, offers a glimpse into the cultural and social values of the late 19th century. The woman, adorned in an elaborate hat and dress, embodies the era’s ideal of feminine beauty and grace, her image carefully constructed. The depiction reflects the period’s complex relationship with women, who were simultaneously celebrated for their beauty and confined by social expectations. The card also speaks to the rise of consumer culture, with the commodification of music through advertising. It serves as a reminder of how art and commerce intertwine to shape our perceptions, and how even seemingly innocuous images can carry layers of cultural meaning.