Naples, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This small chromolithograph of Naples was part of a series of city flags distributed by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards offer a glimpse into the late 19th century, reflecting both a growing interest in global cultures and the rise of consumerism. The flag itself, centered with a coat of arms, is a symbol of power, but here it’s reduced to a collectible item, included in packages of cigarettes. What does it mean to consume a symbol of national identity? The romanticized depiction of Naples—a coastal city with a prominent view of Vesuvius—creates a dream for the consumer. These cards were targeted towards a male consumer base, subtly associating the exotic allure of distant lands with the pleasure of smoking. Consider the complex layering of identity: the cultural identity represented by the flag, the consumer identity shaped by advertising, and the gendered identity of the intended audience. It invites us to consider how consumer culture intertwines with our understanding of place and identity.