A Bare Chance, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

This is a chromolithograph titled "A Bare Chance," part of the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes. The image presents a lighthearted scene with a man in flight from a small bear. A quick glance reveals a composition of dynamic tension, the cartoon-like figures are set against a diagonally sloping landscape, creating a sense of precariousness and hurried movement. Note the texture created by the cross-hatching strokes, particularly in the rendering of the foliage and ground. What's striking is the subtle semiotic play. The term "bare chance" hints at two possible interpretations: the literal encounter with a bear, and the slim odds of the man's successful escape. This duality, achieved through a formal interplay of image and text, destabilizes the singular meaning. The tension is palpable; the man’s cartoonish features—eyes wide, glasses askew—underscore a sense of panic. Through its structural layout and semiotic suggestion, the print offers more than just an amusing anecdote but a reflection on the absurd encounters and the play of language.