Slanting Ladder, from the Gymnastic Exercises series (N77) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

"Slanting Ladder" is a colorful, highly detailed chromolithograph from the *Gymnastic Exercises* series for Duke brand cigarettes, created in 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The image depicts a woman in a form-fitting, patterned leotard, performing a gymnastic exercise, hanging from a slanted ladder. The image was likely created as a trade card, popular in the late 19th century, used to promote Duke cigarettes. The small size of the print (7 x 3.8 cm) suggests it was designed for inclusion in cigarette packs. The artwork's bold colors and lively composition make it a captivating example of late 19th-century advertising.