Toulouse, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This lithograph, part of Allen & Ginter’s "City Flags" series, captures the flag of Toulouse, France, adorned with powerful symbols. At its heart lies the Occitan cross, a golden emblem set against a field of red, flanked by a lamb and the silhouette of city’s architecture. The Occitan cross, deeply rooted in the region's identity, extends back to the Middle Ages, representing not just a geographical place but also a rich tapestry of culture and language. The lamb is a symbol of innocence and sacrifice, echoing ancient religious practices and themes of redemption found across cultures. In contrast, the towers represent urban power. The symbols and the lamb in particular, evoke complex emotions. Consider how the lamb appears in Jan van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, also signifying sacrifice. Yet, here, it coexists with symbols of worldly power, a tension reflective of humanity’s ongoing negotiation between the sacred and the secular.