Turkey, from the International Cards series (N238), issued by Kinney Bros. 1888

This small card, part of the International Cards series by Kinney Bros., was produced using industrial printing methods. These cards were a far cry from traditional art; they were printed en masse and included in cigarette packs as a marketing tool. The visual impact relies on the texture of the cardstock and the layering of inks to create vibrant colours and sharp details. The image, which depicts a portrait of a Turkish man, along with symbols of the Ottoman Empire, reflects the company’s effort to appeal to consumers through exotic imagery. The card’s design and production speak volumes about the industrialized world of the late 19th century. It underscores how techniques like chromolithography, initially used for artistic prints, were integrated into mass production, blurring the lines between commercial and aesthetic value. Understanding this context reveals how this humble card, crafted using industrial processes, carries significant cultural and economic weight, challenging our perceptions of art and value.