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

This cigarette card of the Steamship Burgundia, Fabre Line, was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th or early 20th century. The card juxtaposes two distinct pictorial elements in a tight composition, creating a dialogue between industry and idealized femininity. On the left, the steamship is rendered with a concentration on linear detail, its rigging a complex web against the sky. Above, banners and flags add dynamic diagonals. To the right, the portrait of a woman in a feathered hat presents a softer, more curvilinear form. The arrangement invites us to consider the social and cultural values attached to these images. These cards were not merely promotional, but also functioned as cultural artifacts that reflected and shaped perceptions of progress, gender, and commerce. Note how the steamship symbolizes technological advancement, while the woman embodies elegance and refinement. The tension between these images encourages us to reflect on the complex interplay of signs, values, and cultural codes circulating within society.