Piano, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is "Piano," a chromolithograph from the Musical Instruments series made around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. The composition divides the image into distinct yet harmonious blocks. Note how the warm, textured browns of the piano and background contrast with the cooler, patterned blues and whites of the figure’s dress. This contrast draws the eye to the woman, who is framed by the instrument. The arrangement of shapes suggests a theme of controlled elegance. The geometric lines of the piano are softened by the curves of the woman's form, creating a balance between the rigidity of the musical instrument and the fluidity of human expression. Even the musical score is presented as an aesthetic object. Through its formal elements, the image constructs a world where music, fashion, and commerce converge, inviting us to decode its cultural and aesthetic values.