George Bleistein, Buffalo Courier, from the American Editors series (N1) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph pictures George Bleistein, of the Buffalo Courier, and comes from a series of American Editors trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, a quirky marketing tactic that spoke volumes about the cultural values of the late 19th century. Consider what it meant to elevate figures from the press at a time when newspapers were rapidly shaping public opinion. Bleistein, as an editor, was a gatekeeper of information, influencing the narratives that reached the masses. The image itself, with its formal composition, suggests a level of respect and authority. What does it mean to see this portrait of a man, in charge of one of the main information sources available at the time, as a token, included with a packet of cigarettes? These cards offer a glimpse into the intersection of commerce, media, and public perception during a transformative period in American history. They reflect a time when the press was gaining prominence, and advertising was just beginning to harness the power of celebrity and aspiration.