Samuel F. B. Morse, printer's sample for the World's Inventors souvenir album (A25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This chromolithograph depicts Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, in a close-up portrait format. It was printed as a collectible trading card in 1888 for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, part of a series showcasing notable inventors. The card showcases Morse in detail, including his white hair and beard, glasses, and medals. The use of chromolithography, a printing technique using multiple colored stones, allows for a vibrant and detailed depiction of Morse's likeness. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, stands as a testament to Morse's lasting impact on communication and technology.