Strasburg, from the City Flags series (N6) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph card, part of the "City Flags" series, was created by Allen & Ginter in 1887 to promote their cigarette brand. The card depicts the flag of Strasbourg, featuring a golden crown and a seated figure representing the Holy Roman Empire, against a backdrop of the city's skyline, dominated by the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral. The card's small size and vibrant colors were typical of the "trade card" genre, making it a popular collectible for its time. This artwork from the Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights the relationship between commerce, visual culture, and historical identity in the late 19th century.