Violin, from the Novelties series (N228, Type 3) issued by Kinney Bros. 1889

This small trade card, dating from the late 19th century, was made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. Printed chromolithographically, it would have been included in packs of cigarettes as a collectible item. While seemingly simple, the card speaks volumes about the industrialized image production of its time. Chromolithography allowed for vibrant, detailed images to be reproduced quickly and cheaply. Note the contrast between the folksy imagery and the mechanized mode of its production. The card's design is an aesthetic hybrid of a highly skilled craft and industrial techniques. This particular example, shaped like a violin, is part of a series showcasing novelties. The fact that such cards were included with tobacco products also tells us something about the social context: mass-produced, widely distributed, and casually consumed. Ultimately, this little card reminds us that even the most unassuming objects can reveal a complex interplay of materials, making, and social context. It blurs the lines between commerce, art, and everyday life.