Order of St. Hubert, Bavaria, from the World's Decorations series (N30) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small card, depicting the Order of St. Hubert of Bavaria, was made by the Allen & Ginter company, who included it in packs of cigarettes. It is made using chromolithography, a printing technique that allows for the production of colorful images, and also mass production. Look closely and you will notice the fine details, such as the delicate lines of the crown and the intricate patterns on the ribbon. The chromolithographic process would have involved creating multiple printing stones, each responsible for a different color, and then layering these colors to create the final image. This labor-intensive process was part of a larger industrial system that connected consumer desires with sophisticated printing technologies. The card is a clever way to promote the brand, while subtly associating it with luxury and exclusivity, elevating the everyday act of smoking into something more refined. The convergence of consumerism, art, and industry is right here in this small card. It invites us to consider the cultural values that are embedded in even the most everyday objects.