Pipe Fish, from the series Fishers and Fish (N74) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph, "Pipe Fish," was made by Knapp & Company as part of a series of collectible cards for Duke brand cigarettes. The image shows a woman holding a pipe fish and a fishing rod, a playful take on both the sport and the company's product. Popular in the late 19th century, trade cards like this served as promotional tools during a period of rapid industrialization and burgeoning consumer culture in America. Cigarette companies distributed these cards to boost sales, capitalizing on the era's fascination with collecting and trading. The cards often depicted a range of subjects from actresses and athletes to exotic animals and scenes from around the world. In this particular card, the woman's exaggerated features and whimsical attire reflect the lighthearted, cartoonish style common in advertising of the time. Cards like this offer a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the late 1800s. By examining period marketing materials, historians can reveal the values, aspirations, and biases that shaped consumer behavior and perceptions of gender and class at the time.