Venezuela, 1/2 Real, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 2) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

Editor: This peculiar piece is "Venezuela, 1/2 Real," a coloured-pencil drawing and print dating back to 1889. It's part of the series "Coins of All Nations" by W. Duke, Sons & Co., used for Duke brand cigarettes. I can’t help but see how it is overtly caricature-like...it feels quite cheeky! How do you interpret this, in its historical context, I suppose? Curator: Cheeky indeed! These cigarette cards, ostensibly about coins, were really about creating accessible, almost comical, glimpses into different cultures. It’s advertising masquerading as education, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. The figure almost seems like a… I don’t know… an almost dismissive representation of Venezuela itself? Curator: Perhaps, though I wouldn't discount the inherent humor— or, perhaps, playful ambiguity! Notice how the artist plays with symbols. A caricature wearing a cross! Editor: True, there’s the coin itself next to the figure too, grounded with the words "1/2 Real, Value 4 Cents”. I wonder what people at the time made of it. I almost want to buy the cigarettes just to get this quirky bit of ephemera. Curator: And there’s the trick. It's a visual hook designed to linger. The intent? That a consumer recognizes or associates it…or becomes inquisitive. Does the caricature stick in one’s mind, more so than if they were reading straight up historical description about coins from around the world? Likely. It’s more than just the price of Venezuelan currency – it's about building a global brand image through clever imagery. Editor: I’ve certainly gained a whole new understanding of how art intertwines with commerce! Curator: Right? Advertising's subtle art... subtly persuasive, undeniably quirky!