Steamship Trave, North German Lloyd Steamship Company, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

This small chromolithograph was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a cigarette card, and it depicts the Steamship Trave of the North German Lloyd Steamship Company. Cards like these were collected and traded, offering a glimpse into the cultural values and economic forces of the late 19th century. The idealized portrait of a woman, combined with the image of a modern steamship, speaks to the aspirations and anxieties of a society undergoing rapid industrialization. Made in the United States, the card reflects both American fascination with European technology and growing global trade networks. The North German Lloyd company symbolized Germany's expanding influence and its competition with other European powers for maritime dominance. To fully understand this image, one might consult archival materials related to the North German Lloyd company, the history of tobacco advertising, and the cultural history of steamships. As historians, we can unpack the layers of meaning embedded in seemingly simple images, revealing the complex interplay between art, commerce, and society.