Bowery, from World's Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This small card, "Bowery", comes from a series called "World's Dudes," produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Made through lithography, a printing process using flat stones or metal plates, this image speaks volumes about consumption and class in its time. The lithographic technique allowed for mass production, embedding the image in a culture of collecting and trade, and, in particular, in tobacco consumption. The very substance of the card underscores its role in the cycle of capitalist exchange. Note how the figure is presented: his exaggerated features and mannered pose. Here, we see an almost caricature-like depiction, likely intended to be humorous, yet it also offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the era. The meticulous execution, achieved through printing, further emphasizes its status as a manufactured object. Ultimately, this card reminds us that even seemingly simple images are steeped in the material conditions of their production, reflecting the values and power structures of their time.