Plate 5, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

Plate 5, from the Fans of the Period series, was made by Allen & Ginter for cigarette brands. This small chromolithograph, printed on paper, offered a colorful collectible to consumers. The original image would have been created by an artist, of course, but then reproduced using industrial methods. Each color needed its own printing plate; the final effect imitates the subtle gradations of watercolor. But the entire purpose of this exercise was to reproduce images quickly, cheaply, and in vast quantities. The card features a stylish woman holding a fan. The fan itself, an object of delicate craftsmanship, is here flattened into an image, just like the woman herself. Note the company's name emblazoned at the bottom, reminding us that this pretty picture was ultimately about shifting product. It's a fascinating artifact when we consider the relationship between art, labor, and consumption in the late 19th century. The card is a reminder that even seemingly innocent images are embedded in a network of industrial production and marketing.