His First Look at the New Fountain, from the Snapshots from "Puck" series (N128) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

"His First Look at the New Fountain" was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around the turn of the century as a promotional card for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. At first glance, it's a humorous scene: a befuddled, bespectacled gentleman, 'Uncle Zeb,' mistakes a rather grotesque fountain for a horse. The humor here relies on making fun of Zeb's class status and ignorance. However, it also cleverly satirizes the new urban aesthetics of the time, suggesting how public art could be alienating or absurd to the everyday person. The card is sourced from "Puck", a satirical magazine, reflecting a broader cultural discourse around class, urbanization, and public art. It invites us to reflect on the social dynamics and cultural shifts of the era, while also engaging with the relatable human experience of being disoriented by novelty.