Russia, from the International Cards series (N238), issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This image, made by the Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company, features symbolic representations of Russia and its ruler, Alexander III. The Roman numeral III and the imperial crown are potent symbols of authority, evoking the grandeur and power of the Russian monarchy. Consider the double-headed eagle; a symbol seen across centuries, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Byzantine Empire, now a recurring motif in Russian heraldry. It embodies dominion and the far-reaching gaze of imperial power. The flag’s white, blue, and red reflect pan-Slavic colors. We see these same motifs echo and transform through history, appearing in different guises. The crown, for instance, can evoke the divine right of kings but, psychologically, it touches on the human longing for order and control, and the ambivalent feelings around authority. The motif and its meanings resurface, evolving with each new era, echoing in the collective memory of nations and cultures.