Algiers, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of Algiers, from the City Flags series, was made by Allen & Ginter for cigarette brands around the late 19th century. The image offers a window into the visual codes that shaped American perceptions of foreign lands during this period of expanding global trade and imperialism. The flag, rendered in bold colors, flutters above a romanticized coastal scene, complete with camels and traditional sailing vessels. Note how it reduces a complex culture to easily digestible symbols, subtly promoting a sense of American cultural dominance. This piece isn't just about Algiers; it's about how Algiers was marketed to American consumers. To truly understand this image, we delve into the archives of advertising history, examining trade publications, and exploring the cultural context in which such images were consumed. Understanding the social life of things like cigarette cards throws light on the ways institutions shape the public understanding of art.