On Guard, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

"On Guard," from the "Parasol Drills" series is a chromolithograph trading card created in 1888 by Allen & Ginter, a prominent American tobacco company. The card depicts a woman dressed in fashionable attire of the late 19th century, holding a parasol and a cigarette, the trademark product of Allen & Ginter. These trade cards were distributed with packs of Allen & Ginter cigarettes and were highly popular, serving as a form of collectible advertising. The card features a detailed and colorful representation of the woman, showcasing the intricate details of her clothing and accessories, characteristic of the chromolithograph printing technique popular during the period. This card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, highlighting the historical and artistic significance of these trading cards.