Francis S. Land, from the Sea Captains series (N127) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1887

Editor: Here we have "Francis S. Land, from the Sea Captains series" created around 1887 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. This vibrant print, showcasing a ship captain, almost feels like a caricature. How should we interpret this work? Curator: Consider this not just as a portrait, but as a manufactured object intended for mass consumption. The materials – the paper, the ink – speak to the industrial processes of the late 19th century. Duke Sons & Co. were, first and foremost, promoters of 'Honest Long Cut Tobacco' as we see below the Captain's depiction. So, what does that tell us about their choice of subject, and the techniques employed? Editor: I guess they weren't just honoring sea captains; they were using them to sell tobacco! The print quality seems almost secondary to the brand promotion. Curator: Precisely! The artistry serves the agenda of mass production and marketing. These cards, cheaply produced and widely distributed, blurred the lines between art, advertising and commodity. Think about the labor involved – from the paper mills to the printing presses, to the very fields where the tobacco was cultivated. Every aspect reflects the material conditions of its time. Do you notice the 'I & I' inscribed on the ship flag? Editor: Yes, the flag really draws my attention, and the 'I & I' mark adds a bit of personal touch, although it remains somewhat enigmatic to me... Thank you for explaining a very materialistic approach to this piece; it really helped. Curator: By considering this portrait within the context of its creation and consumption, we move beyond mere aesthetic appreciation. We see art embedded in social and economic systems, inseparable from the materiality of its production. It makes you think differently, doesn't it?