Madagascar, from the Races of Mankind series (T181) issued by Abdul Cigarettes 1881

"Madagascar" is a lithograph from the "Races of Mankind" series of cigarette cards produced by Abdul Cigarettes in 1881. The card depicts a profile portrait of a young Malagasy man, showcasing the company's interest in the diversity of human cultures. The card's simple composition, focusing on the subject's face and upper torso, reflects a common approach to anthropological imagery of the period. "Madagascar" is a prime example of the "cigaret card art" genre, often featuring cultural and historical subjects. These cards, given away with cigarette packs, were collected and traded by individuals interested in both the images and the tobacco brands they represented. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this artwork in its collection.