17th Century Dutchman, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a chromolithograph of a 17th-century Dutchman, part of the "World's Smokers" series by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. The figure, centered and set against a subtly textured backdrop, draws the eye with its vivid colors and meticulous details. Consider how the artist uses form to shape meaning. The man’s opulent attire—the feathered hat, the ornate lace collar, and the plush coat—speaks to status and taste. Notice the smoke that curls around the pipe stem, a symbol of pleasure, but also a fleeting, transient moment. Here, the semiotic system at play highlights not just the act of smoking, but the cultural codes that elevate it to a symbol of sophistication and global connection. The choice of a Dutchman evokes the historical associations with commerce and exploration. This small card acts as a window into a world of aspiration, where smoking is an emblem of refined experience, even while it challenges fixed notions of value.