Roman States, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co.

About this artwork

This Roman States, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. by W. Duke, Sons & Co. dating to 1888 exemplifies the period. Created in commercial color lithograph, the work demonstrates technical mastery of materials and processes characteristic of the era. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints, this piece contributes to our understanding of historical artistic production. Prints from this period served diverse functions—arti...

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century ephemera with *Roman States*, a gem from the *Rulers, Flags, Coats of Arms* (N126-2), issued by the American tobacco giant W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888. This petite commercial color lithograph, just 2¾ × 4¼ inches (and foldable to an even tinier 2¾ × 1⅜ inches), captures the coat of arms of the Roman—likely referencing the historic Papal States or Italian regions tied to papal authority. Produced as collectible inserts for Duke's cigarette packs, it was part of a popular trend where everyday consumers traded these cards like modern trading cards, blen...

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...