Delaware, from Flags of the States and Territories (N11) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1888

This lithograph from Allen & Ginter Cigarettes, showcases an allegorical flag of Delaware, teeming with symbols of state identity and aspirations. Observe the central figures: a farmer with his hoe and a soldier, flanking a shield emblazoned with wheat, an ox, and a ship, encapsulating agriculture, industry, and maritime commerce. The banner proclaims 'Liberty and Independence,' reflecting the ideals of the new American nation. Note the ship motif, appearing both on the state shield and in the vignette below. This echoes the ancient symbol of the ship of state, guiding its people through turbulent waters. We find it in ancient Egyptian barques carrying souls to the afterlife, and even in medieval Christian iconography, representing the Church navigating the seas of earthly existence. The romanticized image, with its agrarian and maritime scenes, evokes a collective memory of pioneering spirit, a visual representation of a shared narrative that resonates deeply within the subconscious, attempting to create a sense of unity. This is an attempt to give this new country a heroic past that will give it meaning.