Museum Collections
Luce Center
Cigarette silk
Object name
Cigarette silk
Date
1890-1920
Medium
Cloth
Dimensions
3 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.
Description
A small natural beige silk cloth printed with a color portrait of a woman labeled "Helena, Queen of Italy", in a pink off-the-shoulder dress with white lace frills wearing a gold crown with red gems and a pearl necklace. Printed "Zira Cigarettes" at the bottom edge. Queen Helena of Italy, born princess Elena of Montenegro (1873-1952), married King Vittorio Emanuel III (ruled 1900-1946, lived 1869-1947) of Italy in 1896 and bore three children including the crown prince Umberto. One of a series of queens and empresses. Given as collectible premiums by cigarette manufacturers.
Credit Line
Gift of Bella C. Landauer
Object Number
2002.1.3237
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.





