Argentine Republic, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph of the Argentine Republic flag comes from a series made for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, out of Richmond, Virginia. These cards, trading cards really, were inserted in cigarette packs as a promotional tool. Notice how the flag dominates the image, but the bottom portion is given to an idyllic scene of gauchos, cattle, and a setting sun. Here the flag becomes a signifier of the nation, associating it with prosperity, natural resources, and a romanticized vision of rural life. This image speaks to the rise of both nationalism and consumer culture in the late 19th century. Cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter capitalized on patriotic sentiment by distributing these cards. The cards not only promoted their brand but also fostered a sense of national identity among consumers. Further research into advertising ephemera and the history of tobacco companies would reveal more about the cultural context in which these images were produced and consumed.