Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series (N227) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889 - 1890

This chromolithograph, "Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series," was issued around 1890 by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. The print's composition is divided between the domestic and the fanciful. On the left, an older gentleman sits at a table with plates, perhaps ready for a meal. To the right, a figure in playful attire is seen standing atop what appears to be a steaming, freshly baked pudding, presenting a sign marked '1890'. The visual juxtaposition here is striking, challenging a singular reading. The image combines realistic rendering with elements of caricature. Note how the figures are delineated with clear lines and soft shading. The gentleman's expression of bewildered amusement contrasts with the assertive stance of the other figure. The formal structure suggests a commentary on time and tradition. The interplay of elements invites us to consider how cultural expectations and personal experiences intersect. This visual narrative highlights how established meanings can be playfully disrupted and reconfigured.