Giuseppe Garibaldi, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This small card depicting Giuseppe Garibaldi was printed by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company from Richmond, Virginia. These cards were produced using industrial printing techniques, a far cry from traditional art materials, but very much a product of their time. The card's surface is smooth, its colors vibrant, and its lines crisp. The company mass-produced these cards as collectibles to stiffen the cigarette packs and entice customers. The image is more than just a portrait, it's a carefully constructed marketing tool, designed to appeal to consumers' desires for novelty and status. The act of collecting these cards became a widespread social activity, blurring the boundaries between commerce, leisure, and art. Each card represents a small piece of a larger economic puzzle, reflecting the growth of consumer culture and the rise of mass media. Ultimately, this card prompts us to reconsider our understanding of art, urging us to look beyond traditional definitions and embrace the rich tapestry of human creativity in all its forms.