Life of Amalia Materna, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph of Amalia Materna was produced in the United States around 1890 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of a series of collectible cards included in Duke brand cigarettes. These cards offer a window into the cultural values and aspirations of the late 19th century. The series, titled "Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People," reflects a widespread fascination with upward mobility and the celebration of individuals who rose from humble beginnings to achieve fame and success. Materna, a celebrated operatic soprano, embodies this ideal, her image carefully crafted to project respectability and talent. Examining ephemera such as these cards helps us understand the social and economic contexts in which art and celebrity were consumed, revealing the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and the construction of identity. Cigarette cards are now a valuable resource to the cultural historian.