Saint Olaf, Norway, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes presents the Order of Saint Olaf, a Norwegian order of chivalry. The cross, a symbol predating Christianity, speaks to sacrifice and direction. Yet, in its Christian adaptation, it evokes profound religious and cultural memories. This emblem, topped with a crown symbolizing royal authority, brings to mind similar symbols of power across Europe, each bearing a unique cultural weight. Consider the Iron Cross of Prussia, a powerful symbol of military honor, or even the Maltese Cross, used by the Knights Hospitaller. Each cross carries its own history, its own set of cultural connotations. The Order of Saint Olaf is not merely a decoration; it is a symbol laden with historical memory. It reflects humanity's enduring need to create symbols that embody our highest ideals, and deepest aspirations.