Order of the Golden Fleece, Austria, from the World's Decorations series (N30) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This lithograph of the Order of the Golden Fleece from Austria was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company, as part of a series called "World's Decorations." These cards, distributed with tobacco products, served as emblems of status and aspiration, aimed at consumers navigating the complexities of a rapidly industrializing world. The Order itself, laden with Catholic symbolism, has historically been an exclusive, aristocratic brotherhood. The fleece evokes classical myth as well as the economic significance of sheep farming, reflecting intertwined narratives of power, religion, and labor. Consider the emotional weight of such symbols during a time of shifting social structures. The image of the Golden Fleece—a symbol of wealth and power—circulated amongst the working classes, prompting questions about access, privilege, and the narratives we consume. It is a potent reminder of how consumer culture perpetuates, but also democratizes, the allure of power.