Serbian, from World's Smokers series (N33) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph of a Serbian man smoking a pipe was produced by Allen & Ginter, an American tobacco company, as part of their "World's Smokers" series. These cards, tucked into cigarette packs, served as both advertising and collectibles in the late 19th century. The image constructs meaning through visual codes of ethnicity and class. The man's distinctive mustache, headwear, and fur-trimmed coat signify his Serbian identity, appealing to consumer curiosity about exotic cultures. Consider the historical context: this was a period of intense nationalism in Europe, and the Balkans were often romanticized in the West. The institutional history of the tobacco industry is crucial here. These cards were designed to promote a product, and as such, they reflect the values and prejudices of their time. As historians, we can use sources like advertisements, trade journals, and demographic data to unpack the complex social and economic forces that shaped this image. Understanding art means understanding its cultural moment.