Amsterdam Banker, from World's Dudes series (N31) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This tiny chromolithograph of an Amsterdam banker, part of the "World's Dudes" series, was made by Allen & Ginter, a Richmond, Virginia cigarette company. The printmaking process involved transferring an image onto a series of lithographic stones, one for each color. The image is more than just a portrait, it's a snapshot of Gilded Age marketing strategies and how business operated. Chromolithography enabled the mass production of colorful images, making them accessible to a wide audience. The choice of an Amsterdam banker taps into the era's fascination with international finance. While seemingly innocuous, this little card speaks volumes about the relationship between industry, advertising, and cultural values in the late 19th century. It exemplifies how commercial enterprises used art to promote their products and associate them with notions of global sophistication.