Time is Money, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This humorous illustration from the "Jokes" series for Duke brand cigarettes, titled "Time is Money," depicts a man rushing, holding a briefcase labeled "Canada." Created in 1890 by the tobacco company W. Duke, Sons & Co., this small, colorful print served as a trade card, a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century. The playful image, using a simple but effective visual pun, would have been easily understood by consumers of the era, promoting the brand through its association with a familiar proverb. The card's small size, measuring just 2 3/4 × 1 1/2 inches, suggests it was intended for personal distribution and collection. This artwork is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.