Cotillion, from World's Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph, "Cotillion", was created by Allen & Ginter as part of the "World's Dudes" series for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Its composition is immediately striking for its central figure, posed rigidly against a backdrop of floral patterns and subdued tones. The man's attire, a mix of formal wear and decorative embellishments, draws the eye through its intricate details and somewhat absurd presentation. The artist’s manipulation of form and space here opens up a discussion about the semiotics of social performance and identity. Notice how the figure is adorned with ribbons, medals and flowers; these elements function as signs of status and sophistication. Yet, the figure's exaggerated posture and the almost cartoonish rendering of his features destabilize these very notions. The tension between the subject’s aspirations and the artwork's satirical depiction reflects broader cultural anxieties about class and authenticity. The artist invites us to question the codes and conventions that shape our perceptions of value and distinction.