Japan Quince, from the Fruits series (N12) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1891

This small chromolithograph, “Japan Quince,” was created by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brands. Chromolithography is a color printing technique that relies on a series of lithographic stones, one for each color. The process was widely used for commercial products like this one, allowing for mass production of colorful images. The company was trying to create desirability around their product. They gave consumers something extra to enjoy, collect and share, which in turn boosted sales. But the beauty of this seemingly innocuous card conceals the labor involved in both its production, and that of the cigarettes themselves. In the late 19th century, cigarette production relied heavily on manual labor, from tobacco farming to manufacturing and packaging. These cards were a small luxury item aimed at appealing to consumers, masking the exploitative labor practices that underpinned their production. So, next time you see a seemingly simple image, remember to consider the materials, processes, and social context that give it its full meaning.