Exhibition Guide

This collage-like painting mimics the packaging associated with “Bull” Durham, an American tobacco brand popular in the early 20th century. The sprinkle of color at the bottom right evokes loose tobacco being poured into a cigarette paper. “1917” refers to both the tobacco tax legislation of that year and America’s entrance into World War I (1914–1918). With the rush to send tobacco to overseas soldiers, the “Bull” cigarette became an instant symbol of patriotism, despite the brand’s marketing tactics, which were at times overtly racist in their depictions of Black Americans.

Here, Stuart Davis appropriated the brand’s medallion and adopted the style and subdued palette of European Analytic Cubism, which championed representing objects from several different points of view simultaneously. With these techniques, Davis merged artistic form and commercial content to explore everyday American consumerism.