Error-Misprint Card, Annie Sommerville in Colors of the Hoboken Yacht Club, from the Yacht Colors of the World series (N140) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

This chromolithograph of "Annie Sommerville in Colors of the Hoboken Yacht Club" was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco around the turn of the 20th century. The image evokes a sense of turn-of-the-century Americana. It uses the visual codes of leisure and social status to appeal to consumers. Yachting, as a pastime, was associated with wealth and exclusivity, suggesting that the tobacco brand aimed to capture the attention of a specific demographic. The portrait of Annie Sommerville framed by yachting paraphernalia would have appealed to consumers looking to align themselves with a specific social identity. These cards were not just advertisements but also reflected the social structures of their time. They offer insights into the cultural values and aspirational lifestyles that shaped consumer culture. To fully appreciate the image's context, one might consult historical records of advertising practices, social histories of leisure, and archival materials related to tobacco companies. In doing so, we can appreciate the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social identity.