Chicago, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This sepia-toned photograph, part of the "Famous Ships" series by Allen & Ginter, showcases the USS Chicago, a protected cruiser of the United States Navy. The image was created in 1895 as a collectible card for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The ship is depicted in a side view, showcasing its intricate rigging and the distinctive silhouette of its mast. The image is a prime example of 19th-century photographic documentation, capturing the grandeur of naval power. The small size of the image, 1 1/2 x 2 5/8 inches, suggests a personal collection, possibly part of a larger set of ships. The artwork can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.