James G. Blaine of Maine, from the Presidential Possibilities series (N124) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888

This small chromolithograph of James G. Blaine of Maine was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their Honest Long Cut Tobacco in the late 19th century. The card is from a series called "Presidential Possibilities," reflecting the intense public and media speculation around potential candidates. But rather than appearing in a newspaper or political pamphlet, Blaine's image is embedded in an entirely different kind of circulation. The card speaks volumes about the merging of commerce and politics in America at the time, and the growing importance of advertising and branding in shaping public opinion. Understanding this image requires us to look beyond the traditional art historical sources. We might turn to archives of advertising history or studies of consumer culture to understand better how images like this one played a role in shaping American society. The meaning of art is contingent on such social and institutional contexts.