Guatemala, from the International Cards series (N238), issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This is "Guatemala," a chromolithograph card from the International Cards series, created by Kinney Bros. Tobacco Company. The card features a flag composed of horizontal bars, rendered in a vibrant palette of white, turquoise, yellow, and red. Above, a delicate ribbon adds a touch of lightness and movement, contrasting with the rigidity of the flag's stripes. Below the flag, ornate, symmetrical frames present a portrait of a man and a seal. The composition of this card is notably structured. The flag dominates the upper half, providing a clear, bold statement, while the lower half introduces complexity with the portrait and seal, each contained within decorative frames. This division can be interpreted through the lens of semiotics; the flag as a signifier of national identity, the portrait possibly representing leadership, and the seal denoting authority. Ultimately, this card represents a cultural artifact of its time, using design and representation to engage with ideas of nationhood and identity.