France, from the Natives in Costume series (N16), Teofani Issue, for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1900

This lithograph was produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette packs, as part of the "Natives in Costume" series. It depicts a French gentleman in formal attire. The lithographic process allowed for mass production, catering to the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. The image is printed on thin paper, a cheap material indicative of its intended disposability. Yet, the chromolithography captures intricate details of the man's clothing and the surrounding interior, suggesting a level of care taken in the printing process. These cards were designed to be collected, reflecting a growing interest in global cultures. But they also promoted tobacco use, connecting it with sophistication and worldly knowledge. So, while seemingly a simple commercial item, this card reveals much about the social and economic forces at play during its time, and challenges our traditional assumptions about the relationship between commerce, art, and cultural representation.