Persia, from the Races of Mankind series (T181) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

Abdul Cigarettes issued this chromolithograph card, Persia, from the Races of Mankind series. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the card’s symmetrical composition, with its central figure framed by a decorative border. The contrast between the soft, fleshy tones of the subject's face and the rigid, geometric forms of his hat and moustache creates a striking tension. The card operates within a complex semiotic system. The subject’s attire and features serve as signifiers of Persian identity, conforming to and perpetuating certain visual stereotypes. The very act of categorizing people into 'races' reflects a structuralist mode of thinking, seeking to impose order and meaning onto a diverse and fluid reality. However, the card's function as a promotional item for cigarettes introduces a layer of irony. By commodifying cultural identity, the card destabilizes any fixed notion of 'Persia' or its people. It becomes a signifier not just of identity, but also of consumption, trade, and the global circulation of images. This challenges established meanings and invites ongoing interpretation of its cultural and historical significance.