Shah's Birthday, Persia, from the Holidays series (N80) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

"Shah's Birthday, Persia" is a chromolithograph from the *Holidays* series, created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1890 for Duke brand cigarettes. The card depicts a woman in traditional Persian dress, possibly performing a traditional dance, against a decorative background reminiscent of a palace. The artwork's vibrant colors and intricate details are characteristic of chromolithography, a popular printing method in the late 19th century. The image likely aimed to evoke a sense of exoticism and cultural allure, appealing to cigarette consumers of the time. This piece, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the marketing strategies and artistic trends of the period.