History of Josef Hoffman, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, “History of Josef Hoffman,” is part of the *Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People* series of booklets produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Duke brand cigarettes. The booklet depicts a portrait of Josef Hoffman, a young boy wearing a sailor's collar. The image is rendered in a realistic style, characteristic of the late 19th century. This piece serves as a prime example of early advertising methods that utilized sentimental narratives and imagery to market products.