Steamship America, National Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

Curator: This is "Steamship America, National Line," a trade card from 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., part of the Ocean and River Steamers series. Editor: It has a dreamy, nostalgic feel. The colors are muted and that woman floating at the top...it reminds me of old advertising, like something selling patent medicine or soap. Curator: Indeed. These trade cards were essentially early advertisements, given away with purchases, especially tobacco products. The depiction of the ship is really secondary to the larger narrative they are building, that of progress, national pride, and idealized femininity. Look how "America" is proudly displayed below the ship! Editor: Yes, and those flags and that woman...she's almost like a figurehead herself, presiding over the whole enterprise. Her serene face almost assures safe passage across the ocean. Note too, the subtle juxtaposition of industrial modernity with the traditional sailing ship structure and elaborate embellishments. The ships’ flags become potent symbols of commerce and empire. The National Line logo also emphasizes global interconnectedness at the height of European Imperialism. Curator: Absolutely. The style nods toward Japonisme as well, particularly in the asymmetry and the flattened perspective. The overall effect positions consumerism within this larger context of Victorian-era ideals about gender, race, and power. Who is being invited to partake in the fantasy presented here? And what is the relationship between this beautiful image and the realities of transatlantic travel and trade at that moment? Editor: Fascinating! Looking at this seemingly simple advertisement, it clearly mirrors and reinforces cultural values associated with aspiration, but also cultural blindspots regarding whose labor and lives were part of its allure. Those visuals worked so well in this historical moment, they managed to shape memories that would extend much later in time. Curator: Thank you. It certainly is a striking insight to have at the close, seeing that even ephemera like these trade cards played a vital role in the socio-political atmosphere of their day. Editor: Definitely a thought-provoking work; now I am keen to think further about what the iconographic function of such adverts is in today's social narratives!