Ace of Clubs, A Nace Dawg, from Harlequin Cards, 2nd Series (N220) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This is "Ace of Clubs, A Nace Dawg," a lithograph card from the Harlequin Cards series, produced by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. Cards like this were churned out en masse, with the color lithography process using a division of labor which was typical of industrial capitalism: while an artist might have designed the image, many hands would have been involved in the physical production. The relatively quick process allowed companies to cheaply print vibrant images with commercial appeal, creating collectible cards to include in products like cigarettes, therefore encouraging repeat purchases. The dog itself is humorously rendered, with the suit of clubs used as a nose. Its spiked collar and chain link it to both the symbols of wealth and to images of subjugation. These little cards give us a glimpse into the intersection of labor, advertising, and popular culture in the late 19th century. By looking closely at the materials and modes of production, we see how even the humblest objects can reflect broader social dynamics.