Steamship Rhode Island, Providence Line, from the Ocean and River Steamers series (N83) for Duke brand cigarettes 1887

Editor: Here we have an advertising card from 1887 for W. Duke, Sons & Co. showcasing the "Steamship Rhode Island, Providence Line". The artwork, a print with colored-pencil elements, gives off a rather nostalgic, almost dreamlike vibe due to its soft rendering. What's your take on this piece? Curator: Well, first, it is interesting to note that this seemingly straightforward image exists within the bustling context of late 19th-century consumer culture. Tobacco companies used these cards as marketing tools, embedding themselves in the everyday lives of people. Think about the politics of imagery. How does this idealized depiction of maritime travel relate to the actual experiences of people using these steamships? Editor: That's fascinating. So, it's less about the steamship itself and more about what it represents in society at that time? Curator: Precisely. It evokes a sense of aspiration and progress. Note the U.S. flag alongside the P&S S. Co. flag, suggesting American enterprise and expansion. How might immigrants arriving by ship have interpreted this image compared to, say, a wealthy merchant? The same image could have different meanings to different demographics, due to their circumstances and values. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It makes you wonder about the role of advertising in shaping perceptions of travel and even national identity back then. Were there criticisms of these types of promotional materials? Curator: Certainly. Alongside admiration, there were critiques of capitalism, of promotional strategies by anti-tobacco activists. What strikes me most is how a seemingly innocuous image can be a window into the complex interplay of commerce, social values, and individual experiences in a specific historical moment. Editor: This makes me realize that beneath the surface of simple artworks lies an entire cultural history! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure.