Jack of Clubs, from the Transparent Playing Cards series (N220) issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This is the Jack of Clubs playing card, printed by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century. More than just a game piece, this card offers a window into the cultural landscape of its time. Tobacco companies often included such cards in their packaging as a means of promotion. This particular card belongs to a series called "Transparent Playing Cards," suggesting a novelty that speaks to the era's burgeoning consumer culture. What’s more compelling is the card's imagery. The Jack, a traditional court figure, is rendered in a simplified style. The image reflects both an embrace of mass production and a nostalgic nod to older European traditions. To truly understand this card, one needs to delve into the history of advertising, print culture, and the social rituals surrounding tobacco use in America. Through such inquiry, the humble playing card reveals its significance as a cultural artifact.