James Sumner, from the Sea Captains series (N127) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century American advertising with *James Sumner, from the Sea Captains series (N)*, a charming commercial color lithograph produced in 1887 by George S. Harris & Sons for W. Duke, Sons & Co. petite card, measuring just 4 3/16 × 2 7/16 inches, captures stern yet dignified portrait of James Sumner, a naval figure emblematic of the era'saring heroes. Issued to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco it exemplifies the tobacco industry's clever use of collectible trade cards to entice consumers, blending patriotism with product placement. Chromolithography, the medium here, was a breakthrough technique allowing vivid, multi-color prints at scale—perfect for mass distribution in cigarette packs or as promotional giveaways. These ephemera cards romanticized sea captains, tapping into America's fascination with naval prowess amid the Gilded Age's industrial boom and maritime legacy. Duke's series fueled a collecting craze, turning everyday tobacco purchases into treasure hunts. Today, this gem from The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights how commercial art democratized portraiture, preserving cultural icons in the Drawings and Prints department. A tiny window into commerce, heroism, and craftsmanship!

About the Artist

George S. Harris & Sons|W. Duke, Sons & Co. (American|American) · | – |

American, Richmond, Virginia|American, Philadelphia