Cuba, from the Types of All Nations series (N24) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small card, made by Allen & Ginter, presents an archetypal image of "Cuba" as part of its "Types of All Nations" series. The composition is dominated by the figure's head and shoulders, framed by soft, almost hazy, blues and yellows. The color palette is subdued, with an emphasis on the creamy tones of the woman’s skin and the light yellow of her headscarf. The artist uses a limited range of colors to evoke a sense of warmth. The figure's gaze is directed away, adding a layer of complexity. This averted gaze does not engage the viewer directly, creating a sense of distance. The fan with the inscription 'Cuba' grounds the portrait, yet its stylized form further objectifies the sitter. The card functions within a semiotic system, using cultural shorthand to represent an entire nation. Ultimately, the artwork is a complex interplay of cultural representation, exoticism, and a visual language which encapsulates the spirit of its time.