Albanian, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is an illustration of an Albanian man, from the "World's Smokers" series, created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offered glimpses into global cultures, often framed through the lens of exoticism and Western curiosity. The image captures a man in traditional Albanian attire, complete with a distinctive headdress and a meticulously styled mustache, smoking a long, ornate pipe. It's a constructed image, reflecting the West's fascination with the "other." These images contributed to shaping public perceptions and reinforcing stereotypes. Consider the implications of framing identity through the act of smoking, turning cultural practices into commodities. What does it mean to represent a person's entire identity through a singular habit, packaged and sold alongside tobacco products? This tension between representation, identity, and commercialization invites us to reflect on the complexities of cultural exchange and the power dynamics inherent in visual culture.