Capitol of Michigan in Lansing, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter, showcases the Capitol of Michigan in Lansing. What stands out, beyond the building itself, is the dome. The dome, an architectural motif, finds its roots deep in history. From the Pantheon in Rome to the Florence Cathedral, domes have long symbolized power and unity. They are, quite literally, an all-encompassing structure that gathers, protects, and unifies. Yet, here, the dome takes on a particularly American meaning. The Capitol building's dome echoes the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., and this visual echo connects the local with the national. It is a reminder of the American ideals of governance, progress, and aspiration that, like the dome, encircle and bind the nation together. As we consider the power and emotion vested in this image, we see how symbols transform, yet their underlying power remains constant.