American, from the Natives in Costume series (N16), Teofani Issue, for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1900

Editor: Here we have "American, from the Natives in Costume series (N16), Teofani Issue, for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands," dating from the late 19th century. It appears to be a print, maybe an etching or engraving? It depicts a man in very distinguished attire… almost a caricature of wealth. How do you interpret this work, especially considering its origin as a cigarette card? Curator: This image, part of a larger series, presents a complicated narrative when viewed through a contemporary lens. While seemingly a benign depiction of a well-to-do "American," it’s crucial to remember this was produced during a period of intense industrialization and westward expansion fueled by exploiting marginalized groups. Cigarette cards, like this one, played a significant role in shaping and disseminating societal values and often romanticized dominant power structures. Editor: So, you're saying that its purpose as a promotional item for cigarettes normalizes a certain idealized image of American identity? Curator: Exactly. The man’s refined attire, the implication of leisure – these all served to promote a particular vision of success and belonging, one often achieved at the expense of others. Consider who was excluded from this image – Indigenous people, laborers, immigrants. Who benefited from this image? Editor: It makes me think about the role advertising plays in perpetuating inequalities, even today. Something that seems harmless on the surface might carry a heavier message. Curator: Precisely. Art, even in commercial form, never exists in a vacuum. By understanding the social and political contexts in which this card was created and circulated, we can gain insights into the power dynamics of the time and how those continue to resonate today. It’s a valuable, albeit unsettling, reminder of the complexities inherent in even the most seemingly innocuous images. Editor: This has definitely shifted my perspective. I now see a critique embedded in this little card.