Stronghold, from the Jokes series (N87) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

W. Duke, Sons & Co. created this small lithograph titled "Stronghold," sometime between 1870 and 1920, as part of a series of collectible cards included in packs of Duke brand cigarettes. During this period, mass production and advertising were rapidly evolving, embedding images like this within a broader culture of consumerism and, often, cultural stereotyping. This card depicts a comical character in mid-stride, carrying a peculiar sack over his shoulder, likely intending to be humorous. Yet, its humor is underpinned by the visual rhetoric of the era. The figure's exaggerated features, paired with his ragged appearance, invite us to think about how class and identity were constructed and circulated through popular imagery. While seemingly innocuous, images like this played a role in shaping perceptions and attitudes toward marginalized groups. "Stronghold" invites us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of how such images were received and internalized by various audiences. The value of this card lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its ability to provoke dialogue about the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the construction of identity.