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

This small chromolithograph of the King of Italy was included in packs of Allen & Ginter cigarettes. Made in the United States, this card belongs to a series depicting "World's Sovereigns." The image presents the King in full military regalia, a symbol of power and authority at a time when European monarchies were navigating complex socio-political changes and rising nationalist sentiments. Italy itself had only recently unified in 1861, so images such as this served to reinforce national identity. The inclusion of this image in a commercial product speaks to the marketing strategies of the time, intertwining notions of global power with everyday consumer habits. To fully appreciate the image's historical significance, one might delve into archival sources such as trade publications, marketing ephemera, and the history of tobacco companies. Ultimately, the meaning of this humble cigarette card lies in its relationship to the broader social, economic, and institutional contexts of its time.