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

This is a small chromolithograph card, made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes around the late 19th century. These cards were produced using lithography, a printing process that allowed for the mass production of colorful images, and were typically inserted into cigarette packs as collectibles. The image portrays the naval flag of Russia, with sailors in the foreground. Look closely and you’ll notice the textures and details achieved through lithography. The layering of inks gives the flag its depth, and the sea its shimmer. What’s fascinating here is the way that the craft of printmaking intersects with commerce and culture. These cards were essentially advertisements, meant to entice consumers to buy Allen & Ginter's cigarettes. In this context, the flags of different nations could be seen as emblems of global trade and imperial ambition. The labor involved in both tobacco production and lithographic printing is a significant, if unseen, dimension of this small collectible. So, next time you see a humble little card like this, remember that it's more than just a pretty picture. It’s a window onto the world of materials, making, and social context.