Norway, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

Allen & Ginter Cigarettes of Richmond, Virginia, produced this small chromolithograph of the flag of Norway as part of a series in the late 19th century. These cards, inserted into cigarette packs, were designed to encourage collecting and brand loyalty. But let’s consider this image beyond its commercial purpose. The flag itself is a potent symbol of national identity, here representing Norway. The backdrop, while indistinct, evokes a romantic vision of the Norwegian landscape, perhaps playing on popular perceptions of the country. The choice to include flags of different nations in cigarette packs speaks to the era’s growing global awareness, fueled by trade and colonialism. By producing and distributing images like this, Allen & Ginter played a role in shaping popular understanding of the world. To fully understand this image, we can explore sources in advertising history, the history of printmaking and the complex story of how national identities were constructed and disseminated. The meaning of a simple flag turns out to be contingent on social and institutional contexts.