Queen of Italy, from World's Sovereigns series (N34) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

Editor: Here we have a print titled "Queen of Italy," from the World's Sovereigns series, made in 1889 by Allen & Ginter. The Queen is wearing a large pearl necklace, tiara, and has an ornate background. I’m immediately struck by the fact that this elaborate portrait was included in a cigarette pack. What's your take on this unusual context? Curator: Well, placing these regal portraits within cigarette packs highlights a fascinating aspect of late 19th-century society and marketing. Tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter were eager to tap into a rising sense of globalism. Distributing images of "world leaders" catered to consumers who were fascinated by international affairs and aspired to a more worldly sense of self. Consider how such imagery subtly legitimized these consumer habits by linking them to ideals of power, knowledge, and even status. In essence, the Queen of Italy became a commodity herself, packaged and sold along with tobacco. Editor: That’s really interesting, to think of her likeness being circulated so widely! Does the style give us a sense of anything? The tag mentioned something about Ukiyo-e? Curator: Yes, there’s a visible influence of Ukiyo-e, Japanese woodblock prints, especially in the flattened perspective and decorative floral motifs. Remember, this was a period when Japonisme was all the rage in Western art and design. Incorporating these aesthetic elements not only added an exotic flair but also likely signified sophistication to the target consumer. What do you make of her somewhat reserved expression within this context? Editor: It’s as if she’s a product endorsement that she did not agree to! I can imagine how the cigarette company can use her image for marketing in new ways once Ukiyo-e aesthetics became trending. Curator: Precisely! These trade cards weren't simply innocent depictions; they were strategically manufactured cultural artifacts designed to shape perceptions and consumption habits. Editor: Wow, I’ve never thought about the social implications of a cigarette pack insert before. This really illustrates how art and commerce intersect in unexpected ways.