Jack of Clubs, from Harlequin Cards, 2nd Series (N220) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

Editor: This is "Jack of Clubs," one of the Harlequin Cards printed by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in 1889. It's a small print that was included in packs of tobacco. It’s clearly meant to be humorous, a light-hearted caricature, I wonder about it's purpose beyond marketing, and what this caricature represents for the population consuming it? Curator: It's fascinating to consider how these cards functioned within the social and economic context of the late 19th century. Tobacco cards like this weren't just advertising; they were part of a broader visual culture. Consider, the card served the product it advertises, what purpose would the Caricature fulfil? How might it influence or shape popular perceptions of different groups, whether through stereotypes or idealizations? Editor: That's interesting. This particular card is, ostensibly, the Jack of Clubs, but his style looks very clownish and exaggerated, from the strange jar next to him to his peculiar look and posture. Curator: Precisely. And think about the role of Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. As a corporation, how were they trying to present themselves and their consumers? The caricature, as well as being comic, creates intimacy. Who is he meant to represent, what consumer or ideal perhaps? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. This card normalises smoking within certain strata. What's also so interesting is that the Met collects these trading cards. Curator: The collecting and display of these cards also transforms them. They cease being simple commercial objects and become artifacts worthy of institutional attention, raising interesting questions about value, taste, and historical narrative. Why did they end up here, and what stories do they tell within the museum setting? Editor: So, it's about understanding the art world and consumption of it! This makes me wonder how future curators will present the artwork that we consume and create nowadays. Curator: Exactly! Understanding these small prints as more than marketing enables us to consider the nuances and societal relationships within art.