Jack Avery, Capturing Ship of the Great Mogul, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

This chromolithograph, part of the "Pirates of the Spanish Main" series, depicts Peter the Great, the Tsar of Russia, who is known for his Westernization of Russia. The card, printed by Allen & Ginter for their cigarette brand, features Peter in a wide-brimmed hat, against the backdrop of a large sailing vessel, illustrating his naval ambitions. These cards were popular collector's items, promoting the brand through their artistic and historical content. The card's diminutive size, characteristic of the era, was typical for such trading cards, making it an example of early 19th-century American commercial printing.