Commodore's Pennant, Belgium, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

Editor: Here we have "Commodore's Pennant, Belgium" by Allen & Ginter, a print from around 1886 to 1891. It's striking how the vibrant flag pops against the serene, almost dreamlike background. The colors and imagery are just… intense, even on something so small! What do you see in this piece beyond just a simple advertisement? Curator: Beyond its advertising purpose, I see a calculated attempt to weave together symbols of national pride with aspirations of global commerce and military might. The Belgian flag, boldly displayed, isn't just a marker of national identity. Consider where it appears – a cigarette card. Tobacco, like flags, often signifies broader geopolitical narratives tied to colonialism and trade. Editor: So, it’s less about Belgium and more about what the flag represents? Curator: Exactly. The flag’s colors themselves could be viewed as symbolic. Black for the sacrifices made for independence, yellow signifying the nation’s wealth, and red, the blood spilled in defence of freedom. Allen & Ginter likely wanted customers to associate these noble ideas with their brand. Does that interpretation change how you view the rowers, soldiers, or boats in the work? Editor: Absolutely. They are now participants within that commercial narrative, as part of a global market. That wasn't immediately obvious to me! I was only admiring the aesthetic quality of the design and illustration. Curator: It's a powerful example of how visual culture can work. Something like a flag, which can trigger instant recognition, can also be used to subliminally condition consumer attitudes, by building connections with values such as duty, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Editor: I'll definitely look more closely now at how even seemingly innocent images work on multiple levels. Thanks for enlightening me on these complex undercurrents!