Everything Goes, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph titled 'Everything Goes', from the Jokes series, was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around 1888 as an advertising card. Its design catches the eye with a playful composition and vibrant colors. The card depicts a scene with two characters. One, seen from the back, has a checkered red and white pattern to his pants which commands visual attention. The other, facing the viewer, gestures emphatically, their interaction framed by a counter laden with goods. These elements form a cohesive whole, structured to draw the viewer into the narrative. These visual elements, combined with the product name, highlight a tension between commerce and comedy, suggesting a world where even humour is a commodity. Ultimately, it prompts a reconsideration of the values and priorities that shape our cultural landscape.