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

This small card was produced by Allen & Ginter for their series, "World's Smokers." It's chromolithography, a printing process that uses multiple stones or plates to transfer different colors to paper. The dot matrix that builds up the image, especially in areas like the background, speaks to the industrial nature of its production, a far cry from unique works of art. Chromolithography enabled mass production, aligning perfectly with the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. These cards were essentially promotional items, slipped into packs of cigarettes to entice buyers. The image itself projects a certain lifestyle. Our Parisian’s refined attire and leisurely smoke are presented for admiration, even aspiration. But let’s not forget, this charming character exists because of a vast, often unseen system of production. From the laborers growing tobacco, to the factory workers producing cigarettes and the printers churning out these cards. So, next time you encounter an image, remember to consider not just what it represents, but also how its very existence is intertwined with labor, commerce, and the social currents of its time.