Defender, 1895, from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This is Allen & Ginter’s ‘Defender’ cigarette card, printed in 1895. Here, the sailing ship Defender glides through the water, its sails full of wind, embodying the spirit of progress and maritime power of the time. The ship as a symbol of journey and exploration is deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Think of the ‘Ship of Fools’ from late medieval times, a vessel adrift, laden with human folly, or the mythical Argo, Jason’s ship, questing for the Golden Fleece. The ‘Defender’ invokes these age-old narratives but also reflects the specific cultural moment of the late 19th century: its sleek design and modern rigging signaling technological advancement and national pride. The name itself, 'Defender,' echoes the psychological need for security and protection, a theme that resonates across epochs and cultures. So we see, in this simple image, how symbols can be both timeless and firmly rooted in their historical context.