Dutch Coaster, from the Types of Vessels series (N139) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1889

This small chromolithograph of a Dutch coaster was created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for their Honest Long Cut Tobacco. The "Types of Vessels" series speaks to America's fascination with maritime culture in the late 19th century. This card would have been included in packages of loose-leaf tobacco, incentivizing repeat purchases. This commercial strategy reflects the rise of mass culture and consumerism during the Gilded Age in the United States. The image references Dutch maritime prowess which was well known at that time, perhaps appealing to the increasingly diverse population of the US, some of whom would have originated from the Netherlands. Understanding the art of the past requires us to look beyond aesthetic considerations and examine the social, economic, and political forces that shaped its production and consumption. Trade catalogs, company records, and historical studies of consumer culture can provide valuable insights into the meaning and significance of this art.