Abdul Hamid, Sultan of Turkey, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

Editor: This small print, made with colored pencils, is part of the “Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms” series by W. Duke, Sons & Co., dating back to 1888. It depicts the coat of arms of Abdul Hamid, Sultan of Turkey. It’s so tiny and feels oddly… commercial. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, first, isn't it fascinating how something seemingly trivial, like a cigarette card, can open a window onto an entire world? Look at the crescent moon and star—symbols steeped in history, representing a powerful empire at a time when empires were the game everyone was playing. Editor: So, it’s not *just* a coat of arms? Curator: Absolutely not! Think about it: placing the Sultan's image, even symbolically, into the hands of the masses via a cigarette packet... it's a potent form of popularizing power. Almost like… democratizing royalty, if you will, through the everyday ritual of smoking. What a bizarre juxtaposition! Don’t you think? Editor: It is odd! Advertising and power symbols combined... it really makes you think about the context. Curator: Precisely! These miniature portraits were more than just collectibles; they were tiny billboards of identity and ambition. Even now, you can buy it… just for the art! Food for thought, eh? Editor: I never would have considered this just looking at the image. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, It always come back to that: Art has no limit for thoughts and interpretations!