Steamship Parisian, Allan Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

Editor: This is "Steamship Parisian, Allan Line," a print from 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It's a peculiar mix—a portrait of a woman, flags, and a ship, all in one little card. I'm curious about the context of it all. What's your take on this? Curator: Well, it's a cigarette card, part of a series. These cards were enormously popular, inserted into cigarette packs as a collectable. Thinking about it historically, it's interesting to consider what was deemed worthy of mass distribution and consumption. This card reveals anxieties and aspirations concerning travel, nationhood, and even gender. Editor: Anxieties? I hadn't considered that. How so? Curator: Steamships, while connecting the world, also carried anxieties about immigration and trade. The flags obviously signal national identity and competition, while the idealized female portrait seems to represent both domesticity and perhaps the promise of a new life for immigrants. Consider also how smoking, at the time, was becoming deeply entwined with masculinity and industrial modernity. These cards were deliberately produced and widely available: it gives us a fascinating peek into the values of that period. Do you see how the placement reinforces any of these points? Editor: Yes, I do! The flags sort of loom over her head, and the ship sits in the distance behind the portrait. So, the company is selling cigarettes with little cards with idealized versions of national identity and also romanticized overseas travel! Curator: Exactly. It’s a potent mix of advertising, social messaging, and collectability, reflective of the socio-political currents of the late 19th century. What do you make of that, now? Editor: I think it's a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained marketing and power are. Thanks, that really changed how I view this piece! Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider what seemingly innocent images communicate about the values and beliefs of a society.