Life of Horace B. Claflin, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is a small, colorful lithograph card from the "Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People" series of booklets, which were given away with Duke brand cigarettes in 1888. The image portrays Horace B. Claflin, a notable businessman of the 19th century. These cigarette cards were part of a popular marketing strategy that aimed to attract a wide audience by incorporating biographies of influential figures. The cards feature a simple design, with a detailed portrait of Claflin against a muted background and a decorative border. This card is an example of the use of lithographic printing, a popular technique in the late 19th century, to create mass-produced illustrations for commercial purposes.