Business Advertisement Card: Hires Root Beer

Printed trade cards which featured appealing designs and imagery were more likely to be
recognized by the American public and, therefore, generate brand recognition for the
producing company. Scenes with exotic, eye-catching, and even fantastical qualities were often implemented into these cards. This portrayal was meant to suggest that the advertised product, as opposed to similar items from other brands, was of high quality and perhaps even supernatural in its effectiveness. This card for Hires Root Beer depicts “The parting of Ruth and Naomi” with its accompanying Biblical passage. The intent behind including a Biblical reference is to catch the eye of consumers as well as generate curiosity about what items the advertiser could offer.

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