President of Chile, from World's Sovereigns series (N34) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This lithograph of the President of Chile was produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs as part of the "World's Sovereigns" series. These cards were promotional items from a time when tobacco companies sought to associate their brands with images of power and prestige. Here, the portrayal of a South American leader underscores both the global reach of the American market and the visual codes of political authority at the time. Note the flag and patterned background. The president’s formal attire speaks to the complex social structures within Chile at the time and more broadly the relationship between the West and Latin America, and the way in which elites in post-colonial nations adopted European modes of dress and governance. Understanding this image requires us to look beyond the surface, delving into the archives of commercial history and post-colonial studies. Only then can we fully appreciate the intertwined dynamics of power, representation, and consumption that this seemingly simple cigarette card embodies.