French Colonial East Indian and African Colonies, from Flags of All Nations, Series 2 (N10) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1890

This late nineteenth-century lithograph by Allen & Ginter presents a flag over the bust of a woman, set against an ornate background. The composition is striking, juxtaposing bold, flat colors with intricate, textural details. The flag, divided into yellow and red, dominates the upper half of the image with its strong vertical lines, contrasting against the gold backdrop with rhythmic blue curves. Below, the figure's classical profile, adorned with a laurel wreath, is framed by elaborate swirls, all rendered in a stippled effect that gives the surface a tactile quality. The use of semiotic systems, such as the laurel wreath— a symbol of victory— may have been used to idealize and legitimize colonial power structures. The image functions as more than a mere advertisement. It encapsulates a complex interplay of power, representation, and cultural values, reflecting how colonial entities sought to visually assert their dominance. The formal qualities of the print, such as the calculated arrangement of shapes and symbols, contribute to a broader discourse on colonialism and its impact on cultural identity.