France, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

Curator: This small, delicate print titled "France, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands," dates back to 1887. Allen & Ginter, the piece's creator, produced this as part of a series of collectible cards tucked into cigarette packs. Editor: Oh, isn't that quaint! It almost feels… patriotic, but in a subdued way. Like a miniature revolution, folded neatly and slipped into your pocket with your smokes. Curator: Exactly. We have to remember the cultural context here. The late 19th century was an era defined by emergent nationalism, as well as American expansionism and industrial advancement. The visual culture surrounding flags played a key role in cultivating public sentiment and consent. These collectible cards appropriated national symbols to cultivate brand loyalty, embedding the imagery into everyday habits. Editor: It's fascinating how something so… consumable could be charged with meaning. Look at how gracefully the flag ripples. It gives me a wistful feeling. Makes you think of revolution, liberty and loss of empire, I guess. The colors are so subdued. Curator: Indeed. Notice, also, how this seemingly benign image contributes to a much broader political narrative about national identity. Each card exoticizes nations under a unifying brand banner, furthering hierarchies of power while, literally, selling cigarettes. Flags became commodities in this setting. The aesthetic is of course, influenced by Art Nouveau, adding to its allure. Editor: I never would've considered it from that angle. It’s amazing how much history is contained in a piece so small. It’s seductive and deeply problematic, all at once. It is beautiful! I mean...the rendering, obviously...not, like...the subjugation of national identity... Curator: Precisely, and by grappling with these contradictions we open space for critical inquiry and discussion around art, ethics and power structures. Editor: Definitely. Makes you want to hold the artist, the company and historical context under a stronger lens. I appreciate how this opens up conversation about those issues.