Royal Standard, Great Britain, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small lithograph, "Royal Standard, Great Britain," was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand. Its pictorial structure is immediately striking. The Union Jack dominates the upper portion with bold red, white, and blue hues against a muted background. Below, a circular vignette depicts a sailing ship, rendered with meticulous detail amidst a sea of finely textured dots. The flag's sharp, angular forms contrast with the marine scene's relative softness, creating a visual hierarchy where symbolic representation takes precedence over naturalistic depiction. The composition echoes the traditional format of heraldic emblems, yet its placement on a cigarette card introduces an element of the everyday, juxtaposing national pride with commercial appeal. Note how the flag’s design – a layering of crosses – reflects Britain’s own layering of histories and cultures. This superimposition of signs suggests a complex interplay between identity, power, and representation.