Nasturtium: Patriotism, from the series Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers (N75) for Duke brand cigarettes 1892

Curator: Let’s discuss “Nasturtium: Patriotism,” a chromolithograph from 1892. It was part of a series called "Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers" issued by the American Tobacco Company for Duke brand cigarettes. Editor: It’s charming! The combination of the girl’s portrait with the vibrant nasturtiums…there's a delicate quality to the colors and composition. It reminds me a bit of Victorian botanical prints, but with this added…human element. Curator: Exactly. The "language of flowers" was a popular Victorian trend where specific blooms conveyed meanings. Nasturtiums, in this case, supposedly symbolized patriotism. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs as collectible premiums, a savvy marketing tactic targeting consumers and aligning smoking with refinement and cultural literacy. Editor: Right, it's about associating the product with an aspirational lifestyle. But look at the materials. The cheap paper stock, the mass production... how did that impact the perceived value then? Cigarettes were an accessible commodity; how did this type of 'art' function within a system of mass consumption? Curator: A vital point. While the image has artistic qualities, its primary function was promotional. Circulating these cards helped normalize the product. It speaks to the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the social construction of desire in that period. This imagery also tapped into currents of romanticism. Editor: And the labor behind it, both artistic and industrial? The artists creating the originals, the printers churning these out… it's all intertwined. These little cards carried a huge amount of meaning about the production and consumption of tobacco products at this time. We must not forget about labor and access. Curator: True, these cards became powerful vehicles of popular culture that reinforced ideals of femininity and nationhood in service of marketing, subtly shaping public perception. Editor: A powerful reminder to look beyond aesthetics. Production, circulation, and the social effects… these cards truly hold more than initially meets the eye.