H. Jacobi, printer's sample for the World's Inventors souvenir album (A25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

Curator: It’s funny, seeing this, I feel a pang of… empathy, maybe? His eyes are kind but there's a world of things he knows. Editor: Absolutely. What you’re describing really captures a lot about this little print. This is an 1888 printer's sample produced for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes; specifically, it's a sample for a souvenir album dedicated to "World's Inventors." It is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The portrait drawing presents us with "H. Jacobi," though details about Jacobi himself remain scarce. Curator: You know, he has that 'man who knows things' look about him. All very turn-of-the-century. Tell me more about this "album dedicated to inventors"—it has a lovely sound to it. Editor: The Allen & Ginter company was capitalizing on late 19th century fascination with innovation and invention, fueled by rapid industrialization. By creating these collectible cards inserted in cigarette packs, they were tapping into and further promoting a culture that celebrated progress and ingenuity. These albums allowed smokers to collect and curate those visions of innovation. It was all a smart business move. Curator: A tiny tribute tucked inside a package of…smokes! Imagine being an artist back then; everything being about commerce— but perhaps you got more seen than some nobody starving in their garret. So many portraits but what does he invent. Is he smiling beneath? The shadow from brow makes the soul in the drawing, to see right though him... to us. It's quiet magic. Editor: It's also a commentary on how value and visibility can be manufactured through clever marketing, even now! What this little artifact asks is that we ask "Who gets remembered, and how?". Curator: Absolutely. Sometimes, it is more about the presentation, the box around the jewel! It makes me wonder… about *my* souvenirs for the future. Editor: Well, that's an interesting thought to end on, indeed! Thank you.