Norway, from the Races of Mankind series (T181) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

This chromolithograph of Norway, part of the "Races of Mankind" series by Abdul Cigarettes, presents a portrait framed by an olive green border, focusing intensely on a woman adorned in traditional Nordic attire. The composition is strikingly symmetrical, drawing the eye directly to her face, while the background is suggestive of a natural, perhaps idealized, landscape. The artist's use of color is restrained yet effective, using soft pinks and creams to depict the subject's face and headdress, contrasting with the more vibrant hues of her garments. This careful arrangement invites an exploration into how cultural identity is constructed and visually disseminated. The very act of categorizing "races" into collectible cards reflects a late 19th-century obsession with taxonomy. Ultimately, this image functions as both a cultural artifact and a study in visual rhetoric. It prompts us to consider how such representations reinforce or challenge prevailing social hierarchies, revealing the complex interplay between art, identity, and power.