Queen Victoria of England, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-1) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co.

Art Historical Context

This vibrant commercial color lithograph, *Queen Victoria of England* from the *Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms* seriesN126-1), was issued in 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co a prominent American tobacco company. Produced as collectible ephemera—likely inserted into cigarette packs—these diminutive cards (just 2½ × 4⅜ inches) captivated Victorian-era audiences with their patriotic imagery. Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, is depicted alongside symbolic flags and coats of arms, embodying the height of the British Empire's global influence during her long rule. Chromolithography, the innovative printing technique used here, allowed for vivid, multi-color reproduction at scale, making high-quality illustrations accessible to the masses. This series educated collectors on world leaders and heraldry, blending nationalism with commercial savvy—a clever marketing ploy that fueled the era's trading card craze. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this piece highlights everyday artifacts as cultural treasures, offering a window into late-19th-century popular print culture and imperial pride. A delightful snapshot of history in your pocket!

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...