Order of the House of Hohenzollern, Prussia, from the World's Decorations series (N30) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This small chromolithograph of the Prussian Order of the House of Hohenzollern was printed for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, as part of the “World’s Decorations” series. The image depicts a medal of honour, an object laden with socio-political significance. It’s a product of its time; the late 19th century was an era of intense nationalism and empire-building. These small cards were effectively advertisements, but they also served as a kind of educational tool, informing consumers about the symbols and hierarchies of power in different nations. The Prussian Order itself, with its militaristic design and association with the ruling House of Hohenzollern, speaks volumes about the values of Prussian society at the time such as loyalty and military prowess. The image itself is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of prestige and authority. To fully understand this image, one could research the history of the Hohenzollern dynasty, the culture of 19th-century Prussia, and the phenomenon of cigarette card collecting. The meaning of this image is contingent on its historical and institutional context.