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

This small card, depicting the Capitol of Wisconsin, was printed by Allen & Ginter for insertion in cigarette packs. These cards were made using chromolithography, a method relying on a series of stones or plates to transfer each color onto paper. The process allowed for mass production and distribution, turning images into commodities. These cards offered a glimpse into the architecture, landscape, and prominent figures of the time, and they fueled a culture of collecting and trading. They turned these subjects into desirable consumer items, directly linked to the act of smoking. These cards are a reminder of how techniques of reproduction can transform our relationship to images. They prompt questions about the labor involved in both their production and the products they advertised. They make us consider the impact of mass media on shaping perceptions and desires.