The White House, Washington, D.C., from the Transparencies series (N137) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1884 - 1890

This lithographic print of the White House was made around 1900 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as a promotional item for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. The image’s creation involved a sophisticated understanding of color, layering, and the mechanics of the printing press. Lithography allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of colorful images, democratizing access to visual culture. It depended on the division of labor, with artists, technicians, and factory workers all playing a role. The final product, a mass-produced card, speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the strategies employed to capture the attention of the public. This card is more than just a picture; it's a piece of social history, a testament to the power of advertising, and a reminder of the complex relationship between art, industry, and everyday life. Appreciating it reminds us to look closely at the materials and methods behind the images that surround us.