Capitol of Missouri in Jefferson City, from the General Government and State Capitol Buildings series (N14) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph, part of a series by Allen & Ginter, presents the Missouri capitol with striking clarity. The building's symmetrical facade immediately grabs your attention, its architectural elements rendered with precision. Note how the golden dome acts as a focal point, contrasting with the white and grey rectilinear blocks of the building’s structure. This juxtaposition isn't accidental. The dome, often a symbol of power and enlightenment, dominates the composition. Its placement atop the rigid geometric forms of the building suggests a tension between aspiration and order. Consider the semiotic implications: the building itself signifies governance, while the gilded dome represents ideals of wealth and prestige. The relatively small scale and the mode of production—a cigarette card—also introduce another layer of meaning. The image becomes a collectible, a token representing civic pride, yet mass-produced and circulated. This democratizes the image of power, making it accessible, but also reducing its aura. The artwork underscores the dual role of images: to represent and to disseminate, ultimately shaping our understanding of what constitutes power and representation in a democracy.