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

This 1889 chromolithograph, “Queen of Italy,” is part of the “World’s Sovereigns” series of trading cards produced by Allen & Ginter for their brand of cigarettes. This card features a portrait of Queen Margherita of Savoy, wearing a crown and pearl necklaces, against a background of ornate, floral motifs. The card is characteristic of the highly detailed and colorful style of trade cards from this era, which were often used as a form of advertising and collectible items. This card is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.