Thomas Anstis, The Pirates' Retreat, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

"Thomas Anstis, The Pirates' Retreat," was printed by Allen & Ginter for their series of cigarette cards, "Pirates of the Spanish Main" in the late nineteenth century. These cards, collected and traded, offer a romanticized glimpse into the lives of pirates, figures who challenged the established order. It's interesting to reflect on how the image of the pirate—often a symbol of rebellion—was co-opted by commercial interests. Allen & Ginter were, knowingly or not, participating in a long tradition of myth-making, turning the complexities of historical figures into easily digestible narratives for mass consumption. We might ask ourselves: What does it mean to commodify the image of a pirate? What aspects of their lives are highlighted, and what is conveniently left out? And how does this contribute to our understanding of identity, history, and the ongoing human fascination with those who live outside the boundaries of societal norms? This card ultimately becomes a meditation on the narratives we choose to tell, and those we choose to consume.