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

This small chromolithograph of the Rhode Island Capitol building in Providence was created by Allen & Ginter as a collectible card for their cigarette brands. Such cards, popular in the late 19th century, served to promote products and reflect the era's fascination with progress and civic pride. The image, with its symmetrical composition and classical architectural details, evokes stability and authority. The American flag atop the tower emphasizes patriotism and national identity. Made in the United States during the Gilded Age, this card reflects the growth of industrial capitalism and the expansion of the nation. The choice to depict a government building aligns with a broader cultural narrative that links smoking with success and national strength. Understanding this image requires us to look at the history of advertising, consumer culture, and the role of tobacco companies in shaping public perception. Resources in libraries and archives can tell us more about Allen & Ginter and the cultural landscape in which this card was produced.