"The Figure Eight," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1888 - 1889

"The Figure Eight" was printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. around 1888 as a promotional card for Honest Long Cut Tobacco. But this isn't just about selling tobacco; it’s a window into the era's social fabric. Here, ice skating becomes a symbol of leisure and recreation, activities that were increasingly accessible to the middle class during the late 19th century. The card is from the Terrors of America set but it shows not a terror but a charming scene, a boy gliding effortlessly on ice, making the complex 'figure eight.' This image creates meaning through its cultural associations, reflecting a growing emphasis on sport and outdoor pursuits. For historians, ephemera like this opens avenues for research, helping us understand the evolving dynamics of consumer culture and the societal values that underpinned it. Art is contingent on its social context.