George Lowther, Death of Lowther, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

This small chromolithograph, "Death of Lowther," was mass-produced by Allen & Ginter for distribution with their cigarettes. Printed on thin paper, this card is a product of industrial capitalism, designed for widespread consumption. The image itself, depicting the demise of a pirate, romanticizes a violent chapter of maritime history, turning it into a collectible commodity. The printing process, chromolithography, allowed for the cheap reproduction of colorful images. This method democratized image production but also relied on a division of labor, distancing the consumer from the act of creation. The card's small size and delicate material reflect its disposable nature, designed to be collected, traded, and ultimately, discarded. The image serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the romanticized narratives that fuel consumer culture. It challenges us to consider the labor and social context embedded within even the most ephemeral of objects.