Greece, from the Natives in Costume series (N16) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886

This small chromolithograph was created by Allen & Ginter, a cigarette company based in Richmond, Virginia. Its mass production shows us a fascinating intersection of culture, commerce, and craft in the late 19th century. Chromolithography, a color printing technique, allowed for the relatively inexpensive production of vibrant images. Notice the precision and detail achieved through layering different colors. This craft was harnessed by industries like tobacco to create collectible cards, which were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. The image of a Greek native in traditional costume reflects the era's fascination with exoticism and distant lands. But, in this context, it also serves a capitalist agenda, turning cultural representation into a commodity. The amount of work involved in producing these cards on a mass scale, from the skilled artisans to the factory workers, highlights the complex social issues tied to labor and consumption. By understanding the materials, making, and context of this small card, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art, craft, and commerce intertwine, challenging traditional distinctions between them.