Ready, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small card, entitled "Ready, from the Parasol Drills series," was created for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Printed on paper, it's an artifact of late 19th-century consumer culture, a byproduct of the rise of mass production and advertising. The image is carefully designed, with the woman depicted wearing a stylish sailor-inspired outfit, complete with a hat and parasol. The printing process, probably lithography, allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproductions, perfectly suited for promotional items tucked into cigarette packs. The card's function as an advertising premium speaks volumes. It reflects the strategies employed to cultivate brand loyalty. The card itself becomes a collectible, an object of desire that transcends its immediate purpose, and is tied to the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By considering the card's materiality and its place within a broader system of production and consumption, we gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance. It challenges traditional distinctions between art and commerce, inviting us to see the artistry embedded even in everyday objects.