Annie Laurie, from the Illustrated Songs series (N116) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1893

"Annie Laurie" was made by W. Duke, Sons & Co., around 1888 as part of a series of illustrated songs to promote "Honest Long Cut Tobacco". The card depicts a young woman, a popular subject, especially when associated with sentimentality and romance, as here. But what might seem like a simple image actually speaks volumes about the social and economic conditions of its time. Made in the United States, the card served as an advertising tool during a period of rapid industrialization and the rise of consumer culture. Tobacco companies like Duke were among the first to adopt modern marketing techniques, using colorful cards to attract customers and build brand loyalty. By associating their product with popular songs and images of idealized beauty, they tapped into the cultural values and aspirations of the American public. Understanding the context in which art is produced allows us to look at the cultural meanings it conveys. Resources such as company records and advertising archives can help us understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.