John Gow, Execution of Gow, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

This colorful lithograph, "Execution of Gow," is part of the "Pirates of the Spanish Main" series produced by Allen & Ginter, a tobacco company, between 1886 and 1891. The card depicts the hanging of John Gow, a notorious Scottish pirate, along with a close-up portrait of him. The use of bright colors and detailed illustrations evokes the thrilling world of pirates, making these cards popular collectibles even today. This card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistry and historical interest of these late 19th-century tobacco cards.