On Duty, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This late 19th-century lithograph by Allen & Ginter, crafted for cigarette packaging, presents a woman with a parasol and a small dog, symbolizing elegance. This image appears simple, yet it echoes motifs found throughout art history. The parasol, initially a symbol of status and protection from the sun, appears in ancient Egyptian and Asian art, often denoting nobility and divine figures. Here, it hints at the woman's refined status, a concept also mirrored in Renaissance portraits where accoutrements defined social standing. The dog, a symbol of fidelity, has roots tracing back to ancient Greece, continuing through medieval tapestries where dogs symbolized loyalty and guardianship. The convergence of parasol and dog illustrates the enduring power of symbols—conveying messages of status and loyalty. These symbols invite us to reflect on how, even in a commercial context, cultural memory unconsciously shapes our perceptions.