Vice-Admiral, France, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

Curator: This colorful print showcases “Vice-Admiral, France” and comes from the Naval Flags series (N17), produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes between 1886 and 1891. Editor: It’s a strikingly stylized image, isn’t it? The bold shapes, flat colors, and that textured background give it a kind of otherworldly charm. There’s something distinctly…graphic about it. Curator: Allen & Ginter were known for these cards, which they included in their cigarette packs. They captured a popular taste for exoticism at the time, influenced by what we now call Japonisme. Look at the rendering of the sea and the flag—there’s a simplified elegance to them. Editor: The three stars on the flag, what do they symbolize? This flag is more symbolic than literal. Are the stars about authority or some other abstract concept? Curator: The French flag, or the Tricolore, itself is deeply symbolic, embodying the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity during the French Revolution. I imagine these stars further elaborate on the aspirations for maritime dominion. Perhaps an invocation of successful campaigns? Editor: Fascinating, these aren’t literally accurate depictions, and yet, they speak volumes. It feels very aligned with ukiyo-e prints where symbolism overtakes realism. In the same vein, even the size of the flag dwarfing the warship emphasizes the symbolic importance of naval authority, Curator: Exactly. These images become carriers of cultural values, instantly recognizable symbols of national power and aspirations. The print acts as a pocket-sized reminder of France’s naval strength in an era of intense colonial competition. It served as both a commercial item and a promoter of cultural ideas. Editor: Thinking about its design qualities and the history behind these sorts of collected series, I am captivated by its fusion of aesthetic economy and cultural load. Curator: For me, what remains intriguing is how these seemingly trivial objects managed to subtly encode historical narratives. It encourages a renewed reflection on collective identity and how everyday artifacts can subtly impact people's perceptions.