Pardon Day, France, from the Holidays series (N80) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This is a chromolithograph card, part of the “Holidays” series, from the W. Duke, Sons & Co. tobacco company. The card depicts a scene from "Pardon Day" in France, which is celebrated annually in many French towns and cities. The card features a woman in a white dress holding a book, believed to be the Pardon book, which contains a list of pardons for crimes. The card is a charming and colorful glimpse into French culture and tradition. The card's small size, measuring 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches, was perfect for inclusion in cigarette packs, which made these images very popular and widespread during the 19th century.