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

This small chromolithograph shows the Capitol of Delaware in Dover, and was made by Allen & Ginter as a collectible card, given away with their cigarette brands. The image, printed on thin paper, would have been one of many in a series, incentivizing customers to purchase more cigarettes to complete their sets. The chromolithography process allowed for colorful, detailed images to be mass-produced, meeting the demands of a burgeoning consumer culture. The crisp lines, flat areas of color, and attention to detail, all speak to the advanced printing techniques of the time. The choice of subject matter - a state capitol building - reflects a broader interest in civic pride and national identity. Yet it also highlights the close relationship between industry, advertising, and the construction of cultural values. The amount of labor required to create such cards at a mass scale speaks to a system of production reliant on both technological innovation and a readily available workforce. The image, in the end, encapsulates the complex interplay between commerce, artistry, and the everyday lives of people at the time, challenging any clear distinction between fine art and the ephemera of consumer culture.