Red Fish, from the series Fishers and Fish (N74) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph of a ‘Red Fish’ was produced by Knapp & Company, as one of a series of collectible cards included with Duke brand cigarettes. Consider the public role of this image: it functioned as both a promotional tool and a collectible item. The late 19th century saw a boom in the popularity of cigarette cards, which often featured subjects such as actresses, sports figures, and natural history illustrations like this one. This card, produced in the United States, reflects the cultural fascination with the natural world, and it associates the pleasures of smoking with leisure activities such as fishing. What are the politics of imagery? This card isn't just about selling cigarettes; it's about associating a product with a particular lifestyle and set of values. The image idealizes nature as a resource, a site of recreation, and a source of visual pleasure. To understand this artwork better, we can consult trade catalogs and advertising archives. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.