Capitol of Maryland in Annapolis, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This chromolithograph of the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis was created by Allen & Ginter as part of a series for cigarette brands. The image is printed using multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color to build up the final picture. The choice of chromolithography, a color printing technique, is significant. It allowed for mass production and distribution of images like this, embedding them within everyday habits of consumption. The image itself, with its clean lines and symmetrical composition, reinforces a sense of stability and order, mirroring the supposed values of government. The small scale of the card speaks to its purpose: a collectible item included in cigarette packs, designed to promote brand loyalty. This connection to the tobacco industry, and therefore agriculture, labor, and global trade networks, highlights the complex relationship between art, commerce, and consumption. By understanding the materials and processes used in its creation, we can begin to appreciate how this small card reflects broader social and economic forces at play.