Moss Rose: Confession of Love, from the series Floral Beauties and Language of Flowers (N75) for Duke brand cigarettes 1892

This late 19th-century chromolithograph produced by the American Tobacco Company displays a woman's profile surrounded by moss roses. The rose, since antiquity, has been a profound symbol of love, beauty, and secrecy, echoing through Sappho's verses and adorning Roman feasts. Here, the “confession of love” explicitly links the flower to romantic expression. One is reminded of Botticelli's Venus, similarly framed by flora, suggesting a parallel between natural beauty and idealized femininity. Yet, this association takes a curious turn when considering the context: a cigarette card. This small token, distributed with Duke brand cigarettes, subtly entwines the allure of love with the burgeoning culture of consumerism. It's a fascinating example of how symbols adapt. What was once a sacred emblem evolves into a marketing tool, reflecting our subconscious desires. The rose retains its charm, but its meaning shifts, revealing the complex dance between art, commerce, and enduring human emotion.