A Short History of Rear-Admiral Raphael Semmes, from the Histories of Generals series of booklets (N78) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This colorful lithograph of Rear-Admiral Raphael Semmes, a Confederate naval officer, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888 as part of their "Histories of Generals" series of cigarette cards. The image depicts Semmes in his uniform, with a stern yet composed expression, emphasizing his role as a military leader. This artwork, part of a larger set, exemplifies the growing popularity of collectible cards in the late 19th century, often used as promotional tools by brands like Duke. The small size of the card, designed to fit in cigarette packages, reflects its intended audience and purpose. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this piece, a historical relic from the era of the American Civil War.