Plate 36, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small card was produced by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia, as one of a series of collectible cards. It was made using chromolithography, a color printing technique that allowed for mass production. Notice the fashionable woman depicted, complete with elaborate hat and decorative fan. The image is not just a pretty picture; it’s a carefully crafted advertisement. Chromolithography allowed for vibrant colors and detailed images, making these cards highly desirable to collectors. This popularity drove sales for Allen & Ginter, effectively turning art into a tool of commerce. The mass production of these cards also speaks to broader social issues of the time. Labor was often exploited in factories to meet the demand for such products, highlighting the intersection of art, consumption, and labor practices. So, next time you see a small, seemingly insignificant card like this, remember the complex web of materials, making, and social context that gives it meaning.