Military Order of Saint George, Russia, from the World's Decorations series (N44) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

Curator: So, here we have a print titled "Military Order of Saint George, Russia" created around 1890 by Allen & Ginter. It's a watercolor drawing that belongs to the World's Decorations series, which was originally featured in cigarette card sets. Editor: Right away, what strikes me is this incredible balance it strikes between solemnity and… well, candy-like colours. That central medallion with St. George slaying the dragon in bright pink? It's an unusual artistic choice for a military symbol. Curator: Cigarette cards often served as promotional items, and the Allen & Ginter firm definitely capitalized on collectible series. These images acted as accessible pieces of visual culture, ideal for widespread distribution to general public beyond galleries. The design incorporates symbolism of Imperial Russia with, certainly, a commercial imperative to capture attention. Editor: Commercial or not, this blend is just brilliant! I feel the gravity of tradition mixed with the playful accessibility, as if someone is winking at you through a piece of history. Does knowing this design originally ended up in cigarette packs add some edge, or subversiveness? Curator: That’s a wonderful reading. The print is indeed framed within the wider context of industrialism, imperialism and global competition of that era. Consider that this “World’s Decorations” series reflected fascination with global power dynamics. These visual codes quickly circulated in ways meant to shape public imagination and national pride. Editor: Looking at it from that lens, perhaps the pink dragon slayer isn't as innocent. It makes you wonder how subtle aesthetics choices impact and influence the cultural moment they live within. A small card in a cigarette pack with all those world power dynamics loaded inside, crazy. Curator: Exactly. And a reminder to look beyond surface-level appreciation toward how historical factors intersect and inform even what seem to be minor or peripheral art forms. Editor: Absolutely. I came for pretty colours and left pondering global dominance... a productive visit, I’d say.