Fatigue Cap, Chevallier Guard, Russia, from the Military Uniforms series (T182) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

This small lithograph was made by Abdul Cigarettes, as part of a series of military uniforms. It's printed on thin paper, a product of the industrial revolution, which made mass communication like this possible. Focusing on the material, you can see how the lithographic process has allowed for fine detail, capturing the ornate helmet and the guard's stern expression. The smooth, uniform surface speaks to the industrial printing process, a stark contrast to the handcrafted military garb it depicts. These cards were included in cigarette packs, acting as miniature billboards. They demonstrate how images of power and national identity became everyday consumer items. Think about the labor involved, not just in printing these cards, but also in producing the cigarettes and manufacturing the uniforms themselves. This simple card asks us to consider the complex web of production, consumption, and representation. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly disposable objects can offer insights into culture, class, and power.