Sculpin, from the series Fishers and Fish (N74) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small promotional card for Duke brand cigarettes features a woman holding a fishing rod and a sculpin fish. The prominent display of a woman in an active role connects to the age-old motif of the "femme fatale"—a figure whose allure is both captivating and dangerous. We can trace this archetype back to ancient myths like the Sirens, who lured sailors to their doom with enchanting songs, and Lilith, often depicted as the first wife of Adam who refused to be subservient. This echoes through time, resurfacing in figures like Salome in biblical tales, whose dance led to John the Baptist's execution. Even now, this potent imagery engages viewers, inviting us to contemplate the complex interplay between desire, control, and the alluring mystique of the feminine spirit.