Caricatured Arabian, 1 Dirhem, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 1) for Duke brand cigarettes

Art Historical Context

In the late 19th century, American tobacco companies like W. Duke, Sons & Co. revolutionized marketing by inserting collectible cards into cigarette packs, sparking a craze among enthusiasts. This charming *Caricatured Arabian 1 Dirhem* (1889) is a standout from their "Coins of All Nations series (N72, 1), one of many ephemera now treasured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick. Printed as a diminutive commercial color lithographmeasuring just 2¾ x 1½ inches—this card vividly depicts an Arabian figure alongside a 1 Dirhem coin, blending education with exotic allure. Chromolithography, a cutting-edge technique of the era, allowed for vibrant, mass-produced color images that mimicked fine art while promoting Duke's brand. The caricatured style reflects the period's orientalist fascination, packaging global currencies as playful novelties to entice smokers and collectors alike. Today, this tiny print offers a window into Gilded Age consumerism and cross-cultural curiosity, highlighting how everyday commerce fueled artistic innovation and preserved glimpses of world history. A delightful piece of ephemera that punches above its weight!

About the Artist

W. Duke, Sons & Co. · 1870–1920

**W. Duke, Sons & Co.: Pioneers of Chromolithographic Trade Card Art** W. Duke, Sons & Co., an American tobacco manufacturer, emerged from the entrepreneurial vision of Washington Duke (1820–1905) and his sons in Durham, North Carolina. After the Civil War, Washington abandoned farming in 1874 to join his eldest son, Brodie L. Duke, in the burgeoning tobacco trade, establishing a factory that for...