Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from the New Years 1890 series (N227) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889 - 1890

This small lithograph, “Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” made around 1890 by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, presents a festive scene with a clear emphasis on color and line. The warm hues of red and gold contrast with the cool blues of the figure's attire, drawing our eyes to the central image of a young boy carrying a holiday treat. The composition plays with asymmetry; the figure is positioned on the left, balanced by the text on the right. This creates a visual tension, inviting us to explore the relationship between the image and the message. The radiating lines behind the boy create a sense of movement and light, suggesting the dynamism and energy associated with the holiday season. Consider how the formal elements here function beyond mere decoration. The choice of a youthful figure perhaps speaks to themes of innocence and renewal, while the act of carrying and presenting food embodies generosity and communal spirit. The lines of text, elegant and flowing, underscore the sense of festivity, reminding us that even in commercial art, the formal arrangement can evoke deeper cultural meanings.