Denmark, from the International Cards series (N238), issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This is Denmark, from the International Cards series (N238), a lithograph card created by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company in the late 19th century. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, offer a glimpse into the era's understanding and marketing of global identities. Here, we see Christian IX, King of Denmark, framed by the Danish flag and the Order of the Elephant, a Danish order of chivalry. Note how monarchy, nation, and tradition are intertwined, presenting a carefully constructed image of Danish identity. These cards were essentially trading cards, designed to be collected. They reflect a Western, often romanticized, view of the world. Yet, they also speak to the powerful role of commercial imagery in shaping perceptions of national identity, cultural values, and global relations. Consider how these images would have influenced ideas about Denmark for those who collected them. What narratives did they perpetuate, and what perspectives were left out?