Marbles, "Knuckle down, Shoot hard across the box," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888 - 1889

This chromolithograph, printed around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co., was included in packs of Honest Long Cut Tobacco as a promotional item. Chromolithography was a relatively new technique in the 19th century, using multiple stones to apply different colors in layers. The image shows boys playing marbles. Though seemingly simple, chromolithography allowed for the mass production of colorful images, making art more accessible. The texture of the print gives it a unique tactile quality, and the bright colors evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, the card’s purpose was to promote tobacco, revealing how art was already deeply embedded in consumer culture. This print blurs the boundaries between art, advertising, and everyday life. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate how this seemingly simple card reflects broader social and economic forces at play.