Christmas, United States, from the Holidays series (N80) for Duke brand cigarettes 1890

Editor: So, this is "Christmas, United States," a coloured pencil drawing, or rather a print, from 1890 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. It's one of the "Holidays series," oddly enough, produced for Duke brand cigarettes. It depicts Santa Claus handing a doll to a young girl with her mother looking on. The scene seems almost deliberately old-fashioned, even for its time. What jumps out at you when you see this? Curator: Well, the obvious incongruity is the advertisement function juxtaposed with the innocence of the scene. We need to ask, how does the commercial aspect shape the way we perceive this image of domesticity and tradition? Consider how the idealized depiction of Christmas serves as a potent marketing tool. Editor: It feels a little manipulative. But I guess all advertising is? Curator: Precisely. And look at the "naive" style that has been applied to the illustration. It enhances a sense of genuine emotion and authenticity. The print's wide circulation as a cigarette card turns the intimate, familial experience of Christmas into a publicly consumed commodity. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. How the same image functions both privately and publicly. Curator: The figure of Santa is also interesting. Notice the robes: where did the artist find his inspiration? Who would have this miniature representation of Santa, his gift and the joy his present produces? It is interesting to note also that the product promoted had nothing to do with the artwork and it promoted 'unhealthiness' with innocence and a joyous mood. Is there a deliberate contrast? And if so why? Editor: Good point, there seems a stark contradiction there. Seeing how those layers of social messaging intertwine really sheds light on the power of visual culture. Curator: Exactly. By understanding these dynamics, we can better grasp how seemingly innocent images play a role in shaping our cultural values. Editor: I will never look at advertising in the same way. Thanks!