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

Knapp & Company created this small lithograph of a fish for Duke brand cigarettes. The fish, isolated against a watery green background, is labeled “Weak Fish.” But what does it mean? The fish is a potent symbol, rich with religious and psychological significance. In Christianity, it represents abundance and faith. Yet, the addition of "weak" adds a layer of complexity. Perhaps it speaks to a fear of inadequacy, or vulnerability lurking beneath the surface. Consider the ancient symbol of the ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, symbolizing cyclical renewal and the eternal return. Similarly, the fish, caught in its watery realm, evokes themes of life, death, and rebirth. This imagery taps into our collective unconscious, stirring primal emotions and ancestral memories. The power of the image, regardless of its intended advertising purpose, lies in its ability to resonate with profound human experiences.