Nine Clubs (black), from the Playing Cards series (N84) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

"Nine Clubs (black)", from the Playing Cards series, is a simple black and white illustration of a standard playing card from the nine of clubs. It was designed in 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., who were responsible for the Duke brand cigarettes. The card is part of a larger series of playing cards that were given away with Duke cigarettes. "Nine Clubs (black)" is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY. Playing card illustrations were a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century, as they were easily recognizable and collectible.