England, from the Natives in Costume series (N16), Teofani Issue, for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1900

This chromolithograph of "England" from the "Natives in Costume" series was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand. Produced in the late 19th century, these cards reflect a period of intense global expansion and curiosity about diverse cultures, albeit filtered through a colonial lens. The image depicts a man in traditional English hunting attire. This is more than just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed representation of English identity, class, and tradition. The act of hunting itself carries connotations of power, leisure, and control over the landscape. But let's think critically about what is being shown, and what is not: where are the working classes of England? What about the poor? The sick? The people displaced by industrialization? The Teofani Issue suggests that these cards were not merely advertisements, but tools for shaping perceptions of national identity and cultural value. What do you think this image says about England, and who was it talking to?