Captain Tew, A Calm, Rich Christian, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

"Captain Tew, A Calm, Rich Christian" is a lithograph card from the "Pirates of the Spanish Main" series produced by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand. Created between 1886 and 1891, this card depicts Captain Tew, a historical figure known for his life of piracy, in a seemingly peaceful setting. The card shows Captain Tew in a wide-brimmed hat, with a house and a distant ocean in the background, a juxtaposition meant to highlight the often-contradictory nature of piracy. The card, part of a larger series, was likely included in packs of cigarettes, showcasing a historical figure through an artistic lens. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses this small but historically significant artwork.