"Oh! if I ketch that rabbit," from the Terrors of America set (N136) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco

Art Historical Context

"Oh! if I ketch rabbit" is a delightful yet cheeky chromolithograph from the "Terrors of America" (N136), produced around 1888–89 by Knapp & Company for W. Duke, Sons &. This tiny card—measuring just 2¾ × 1½ inches—was issued as promotional ephemera with Honest Long Cut Tobacco packs. Part of a collectible set, it captures a mischievous boy in hot pursuit of a rabbit, the playful "terrors" of American boyhood, complete with firearms as suggested by the tags. In the late 19th century, tobacco companies like Duke revolutionized marketing by including vibrant trading cards in cigarette packs, sparking a collecting craze among children and adults alike. These ephemera offer a window into Gilded Age advertising and popular culture, where themes of adventure and youthful bravado promoted brand loyalty. The "Terrors of America" set humorously portrayed boys in daring escapades, reflecting societal norms around hunting and play that normalized firearms for young lads. Artistically, the commercial color lithography technique allowed for bold, eye-catching hues on a mass-produced scale, making high-quality illustrations accessible and affordable. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this card highlights the intersection of commerce, lithography innovation, and everyday American life—a tiny artifact with big cultural punch!

About the Artist

Knapp & Company|W. Duke, Sons & Co. (American|American) · |1870 – |1920

American, New York|New York and Durham, N.C.