Tasmania, from Flags of All Nations, Series 2 (N10) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1890

This small chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter, was originally part of a series of collectible cards included in cigarette packs. While seemingly innocuous, these cards offer a window into the culture of the late 19th century. Consider the lithographic process itself. It allowed for mass production and vibrant colors, perfectly suited to brand marketing. But it also speaks to the rise of industrial capitalism, where images could be circulated widely, fueling consumer desire and creating a sense of global awareness – albeit one filtered through a very particular lens. The flag of Tasmania, a remote island nation, becomes a commodity, packaged with tobacco and consumed alongside it. There's a striking contrast between the seemingly benign image and the vast machinery of production and consumption that it represents. It invites us to consider the social and economic forces at play, and the way they shape our understanding of the world.