Pope Leo XIII, Roman States, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-1) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

Curator: This lithograph from 1888, “Pope Leo XIII, Roman States,” produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co., seems a rather peculiar object to find in a museum. Editor: Yes, I find it interesting that an image of Pope Leo XIII, rendered in such detail, ended up on what appears to be a tobacco card. I wonder, how do you interpret a print like this beyond just being a portrait? Curator: Well, the material reality of this image interests me greatly. Its existence is intertwined with mass production, consumerism, and perhaps even exploitation. A lithograph was used, a printing process allowing for cheap, quick reproduction. How many were printed, who purchased them, and what were their working conditions in those tobacco factories? These questions are central. Editor: So, you're more interested in the socioeconomic context than the image of the Pope himself? Curator: The image is inseparable from its material origins. Notice how the branding “Honest Long Cut” sits right below his name, juxtaposing sacred and commercial imagery. It's this convergence, this use of the Pope to sell tobacco, that holds significant weight for understanding the social currents of the late 19th century. Editor: I never considered the advertising aspect so closely, very thought provoking. What stands out the most to me is that we can glean insights into the lives of everyday people, factory workers and consumers, by focusing on these everyday objects and the historical conditions of its production. Curator: Exactly! It reveals how industries commodified even seemingly untouchable figures and symbols for profit, and helps us explore production, labor, and consumption.