Admiral, United States, from the Naval Flags series (N17) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1886 - 1891

Editor: This is "Admiral, United States, from the Naval Flags series," produced by Allen & Ginter between 1886 and 1891. It’s a colorful little print, a drawing actually. I am fascinated by the overt patriotism, but I can't quite grasp the context of a military leader being used to promote cigarettes. How would you interpret this work? Curator: These cards offer a fascinating glimpse into late 19th-century American culture. Consider the immense popularity of trade cards at the time, and the intense rise in nationalistic sentiment after the Civil War. Who was being targeted here, and why? Editor: It makes sense, I imagine these cards would have appealed to a broad swathe of the American public. Surely, these kinds of collectables have some bearing on advertising as we understand it today? Curator: Absolutely. By associating their product with symbols of national pride and military achievement, Allen & Ginter tapped into potent cultural currents. It normalized cigarette use as not just acceptable but linked it to ideals of American strength. What does the setting and overall composition contribute? Editor: The gold accents suggest refinement, perhaps attempting to attract an aspirational consumer. And framing the admiral within what looks like a heroic oval reinforces the image of strength. Curator: Precisely. This image tells us much about the prevailing societal values. It's important to remember that visual imagery doesn't simply reflect society. It actively shapes and reinforces specific ideas and attitudes, from how we consume, to how we think of our military. Editor: So, analyzing something as simple as a cigarette card gives insight into how those powerful, historical undercurrents worked at the time? I never considered that. Thank you for highlighting how something so everyday can reflect socio-political currents. Curator: The politics of imagery can often be found in the most unassuming of places.