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

This small card, part of a series by Allen & Ginter, captures the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. Dominating the composition is its impressive dome, a symbol deeply rooted in architectural history. The dome, crowned atop monumental buildings, echoes structures like the Pantheon in Rome, initially a temple dedicated to all gods and later a church. This architectural motif journeyed through time, appearing during the Renaissance, and was reborn in grand civic buildings of the modern era. Here, the dome is a testament to the power and permanence of governance. Observe its imposing presence, which conveys a sense of stability, order, and authority. Such structures, with their roots in antiquity, tap into a collective memory. They speak to the enduring human desire for systems and symbols that offer both protection and guidance, and how even a cigarette card can be a vehicle for such profound cultural statements.