Baltimore, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

Curator: Well, look at this historical gem! This is a chromolithograph card, "Baltimore, U.S.N.," created by Allen & Ginter around 1895 as part of their Famous Ships series, included in Virginia Brights Cigarettes. It currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My first thought is about the power this image emanates. The composition and tonality suggests both technological advancement and, quite frankly, a looming, somewhat antiquated, militaristic force. Curator: It's interesting that you mention that. These cards were actually meant as collectible items packaged with cigarettes. The commercial aspect played a large part in distributing imagery of American might at the end of the 19th Century, during the height of American Imperialism. How do you view it in that light? Editor: Given that, my read is only amplified. It’s propaganda—pure and simple—designed to bolster patriotism, reinforce existing hierarchies. To view this image critically, one must consider how visual representations can contribute to nationalistic sentiment. This small card carried a potent message about naval supremacy and what that means to our current cultural moment as well. Curator: Precisely. Allen & Ginter, through these collectible cards, shaped popular perception of naval power. Consider also the targeted consumer - adult men with expendable income who are engaging in ritualistic displays of virility - through cigarette consumption and collectible acquisitions of military dominance. What considerations may these individuals fail to take into account when reflecting on themes of labor, global presence, violence and control when casually consuming this piece? Editor: It's quite layered when seen like this. We see the potential implications and the role these seemingly innocuous cards played in reinforcing narratives of American exceptionalism in that period of intense social and political transition, what's more is it has made it's way into a world renowned collection, adding to the object's power and presence. Curator: Exactly. By recognizing the historical and social context of this small card, we can better unpack the ways in which images of technology and militarism intersected with commercial and socio-cultural agendas, then, and importantly, now. Editor: I'll definitely be rethinking the subtle power of collectible imagery after this encounter! Curator: Indeed. It gives one plenty to consider and apply, hopefully as a contemporary form of cultural assessment.