Modena, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph from 1887 is part of the “City Flags” series by Allen & Ginter, famous for their cigarette cards. This card depicts the flag of Modena, an Italian city-state, against a grey background, featuring a view of the city in the bottom oval. The flag displays a white cross on a red background with a coat of arms bearing the coat of arms of the Este family, the ruling dynasty. This series of cards is a valuable insight into the history of flags, national pride, and the advertising techniques of the 19th century.