Caricatured figure / Santa Claus has to Furnish the Stockings, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This caricature, part of the "Jokes" series for Duke brand cigarettes, depicts a Black man in a Santa Claus hat, holding a spear and wearing a colorful, patterned dress. The figure's exaggerated features and attire contribute to the humor of the image, which was likely intended to be lighthearted and amusing to the public in the late 19th century. The small size of the card suggests it was part of a larger set of trading cards, likely given away with the purchase of Duke cigarettes. This artwork offers insight into the prevailing social attitudes and humor of the era, highlighting the use of stereotypes and caricature in popular culture.