Order of St. Vladimir, Russia, from the World's Decorations series (N30) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This is a cigarette card depicting the Order of St. Vladimir, made by Allen & Ginter. Rather than fine art materials, we have paper, ink, and industrial printing processes. The card is part of a series called "World's Decorations," which speaks to the rise of global trade and the associated desire for knowledge. It shows the decoration with close attention to the details, a cross with red infill and gold trim, hanging from a silk moire ribbon. The printing technique would have involved mass production, reflecting the booming tobacco industry, and rising consumer culture. While seemingly distant from traditional art, these cards are fascinating objects. They speak to the democratization of image-making, the commodification of culture, and the intersection of commerce and artistry. Examining such materials helps us to challenge conventional notions of high and low culture, and appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday objects.