Soldier, French Revolution, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small chromolithograph was made by Allen & Ginter, an American tobacco company, as one of a collectable series inserted in cigarette packs. Although seemingly a world away from fine art, this kind of print relies on similar artistic skills, and its mass production is closely linked to the rise of consumer culture. These cards were printed using lithography, a process that allows for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. The image is built up through layers of different colored inks, giving it a rich, detailed appearance despite its small size. The subject matter – a soldier of the French Revolution, pipe in mouth – is designed to evoke a sense of history and adventure, enticing smokers to collect the whole set. The card is a product of its time, reflecting the growing popularity of tobacco and the use of promotional items to drive sales. It invites us to consider how art and commerce intersect, blurring the lines between cultural artifact and commodity.