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

This small card, showing the Capitol of Nevada, was made by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. It’s a chromolithograph, a color printing process that emerged in the mid-19th century. The texture of the image is a product of this technique, achieved by using multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color. The resulting effect is fascinating: a kind of visual equivalent to pointillism, with many tiny dots blending to form a cohesive image. The process required a division of labor; with designers, artists, and skilled press operators all involved. The card is a testament to the culture of mass production and consumption of the time. Cigarette cards like these were popular collectibles, inserted in packs as a marketing gimmick. They reflect the era's fascination with images of progress and national identity, neatly packaged for commercial exchange. It is a reminder that even the most unassuming objects can reveal the intricate connections between art, industry, and society.