Lafayette, from the Great Generals series (N15) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This lithograph of Lafayette was produced as a cigarette card by Allen & Ginter, a Richmond, Virginia tobacco company. These cards, printed on thin paper, were originally included in cigarette packs to stiffen them and advertise the brand. Lithography, a printmaking process based on the chemical repulsion of oil and water, allowed for mass production, making images accessible to a wider audience. The bright colors and fine details—look at the rendering of Lafayette’s powdered wig, for example—were achieved by using multiple printing stones, one for each color. The production of such cards was deeply tied to consumer culture, promoting both tobacco use and the image of distinguished figures like Lafayette. The cards transformed the act of smoking into an engagement with popular culture and historical themes, blurring the lines between commercial activity and the dissemination of knowledge. Ultimately, these cards reflect the industrialization of image-making and its role in shaping public perception during the late 19th century.