One Good Turn Deserves Another, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This humorous illustration, "One Good Turn Deserves Another," was created in 1890 as part of the "Jokes" series for Duke brand cigarettes. The artwork depicts a man bending over, seemingly surprised by a woman pouring water on him from a window above. The humorous depiction of this familiar proverb, a common theme in trade cards, highlights the brand’s association with light-hearted amusement and everyday humor. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this tiny card, just 2 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches. While the artist remains anonymous, "W. Duke, Sons & Co." likely commissioned this artwork for their popular cigarette brand. This artwork is a reminder of the historical use of trade cards as a form of advertising, promoting the brand through humorous imagery and popular sayings.