Navigazione Generale Italiana, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

This is a lithograph advertisement card titled ‘Navigazione Generale Italiana’ created around 1870-1920, by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The card presents a tripartite division. On the left, a young woman gazes upward, framed by a decorative border. Above, three national flags add a splash of colour, drawing the eye across the top. To the right, a detailed illustration of a steamship at sea is depicted, rendered with meticulous lines to capture its nautical prowess. The composition leverages these graphic elements to convey a message of elegance and global reach. Note how the artist juxtaposes idealized beauty with industrial might, suggesting a convergence of progress and aesthetic appeal. This juxtaposition challenges any singular reading, inviting us to consider how visual language can embody cultural aspirations and commercial ambitions. The interplay of image and text underscores the constructed nature of meaning.