Drawing

Magna Cuba

One cigar box top illustration, "Magna Cuba," that was done by the Calvert Lithographing Company of Detroit. The drawing was done in watercolor on a sheet of white art board and shows a colorful scene which includes a semi-nude young woman who is seated beneath a decorative scrollwork border that includes palm fronds and a dark blue background. A circular red/white/blue stars and stripes emblem is shown in the lower left corner. A bounty of tropical products from Cuba is spread at her feet including fruits, fish, bundles of cigars, and a barrel of rum. An outline of the island of Cuba can be seen in the right background along with the Caribbean Sea and a sunset. Large gold-colored printed text above the scene reads "Magna Cuba." The artist's name or marks are not visible. A white adhesive label on the verso has black printed and handwritten text that reads "No. A, 14." Adjacent black and white printed text reads "This Sketch is the Property of the Calvert Lithographing Co., Detroit, Mich. 'The Model Shop' and Is To Be Returned to Them Whether Accepted Or Not." Additional printed text reads "It Must Not Be Exhibited Without Our Consent To Our Competitors Nor Used In Any Way." A black ink stamp has text that reads "Art Gallery of Windsor, 20." The drawing is mounted in a tan matte board frame.