Bass Drum, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

"Bass Drum" is a trade card created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888. It was part of a series of cards that depicted various musical instruments and was created as an advertisement for the company's Duke brand cigarettes. This card features a young woman in a military uniform, holding a bass drum and cymbals, and is considered to be a popular example of trade card art, a form of advertising that flourished in the 19th century. The card is a vibrant piece with a detailed and colorful depiction of the woman and her instruments, which were likely intended to attract the attention of potential customers. Trade card art like this often included themes of leisure, entertainment, and everyday life, making it a popular form of visual culture in its time.