King of Clubs (black), from the Playing Cards series (N84) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is 'King of Clubs (black)', a playing card lithograph made by W. Duke, Sons & Co., around the turn of the century. The card presents a symmetrical, stylized figure of the King, split in half by its vertical axis. Its visual components consist of flat, bold colors, with a dense decorative pattern. The King's representation adheres to a rigid formality, contained within the card's rectangular frame, with patterned clothing and the symbolic club that mark the card's suit and rank. Notice how the composition emphasizes symmetry, an inversion of signs at the top and bottom edges. This compositional mirroring gives a certain impression of balance, yet the ornamental details introduce visual complexity. These elements, particularly the geometric divisions and stylized motifs, function as signs within a coded system. The flat colors and patterns, while decorative, also challenge fixed meanings. The image is an intersection of formal design and cultural symbolism. The function of the card moves beyond mere aesthetics, engaging with broader questions of how meaning is structured, and ultimately, re-structured.