Governor Moonlight, Wyoming Territory, from "Governors, Arms, Etc." series (N133-2), issued by Duke Sons & Co. 1885 - 1892

This is a lithograph trade card, circa 1870-1920, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of their "Governors, Arms, Etc." series. Its imagery is deeply embedded in the social and economic context of its time. The card features a portrait of Governor Moonlight of the Wyoming Territory, flanked by the territory's coat of arms and a landscape scene. But it also functions as an advertisement for Duke Cigarettes, highlighting the company's status as the "largest Cigarette Manufacturers in the World." This juxtaposition reveals the intertwining of commerce, politics, and regional identity in late 19th-century America. Analyzing this card requires understanding the history of advertising, the rise of consumer culture, and the political landscape of the Wyoming Territory. Researching Duke's business practices and the social impact of tobacco consumption would provide further insight into this seemingly simple image. It serves as a reminder that art, even in its most commercial forms, is always a product of its time.