Italy, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This is "Italy, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9)," a cigarette card by Allen & Ginter. The composition neatly divides the subject: the Italian flag with a crown floating beneath, all set against a textured blue background. The tricolor—red, white, and green—is rendered with attention to the flag's wavy form, suggesting movement. Here, the flag is not merely a symbol but a dynamic element. The crown, traditionally a signifier of monarchy, appears almost detached, floating in space, which creates a sense of destabilization. This floating quality undermines the established hierarchy and invites a reevaluation of traditional symbols of power. The texture, achieved through the printmaking process, adds a layer of visual complexity, reminding us of the material reality of representation. It’s a piece that plays with form and symbol, inviting viewers to question what they see and what it means.