Bow and Arrow, from the Arms of All Nations series (N3) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph of a chariot-borne archer was produced by Allen & Ginter for their series "Arms of All Nations," which came packaged with cigarettes. The image presents us with a vision of ancient military prowess. The figures, likely meant to evoke the Assyrian Empire, are idealized, powerful, and stoic. The card encapsulates the late 19th-century fascination with exoticism and military history, filtered through the lens of imperial ambition. Allen & Ginter, based in Richmond, Virginia, aimed to associate their brand with a sense of global reach, adventure, and perhaps even domination. Analyzing such images requires a deep dive into the social and economic context of their production and consumption. We can consider the role of tobacco companies in shaping popular perceptions of the world. By looking at archival material, we can better understand the intersection of commerce, culture, and imperial ideology in the United States at this time.