Number 6, An Electric Stroke, from the Tricks with Cards series (N138) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

This 1887 chromolithograph card is from the "Tricks with Cards" series issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco. It depicts a magician performing a card trick called "An Electric Stroke". The image is an example of graphic design that uses bold colors, a simplified style, and clear text to convey the message. The cards themselves are the most prominent visual element, with the artist's hand shown in the act of performing the trick. The card would have been collected and traded by consumers of the tobacco products, making it an early form of advertising through collectible art.