Belgium, from Flags of All Nations, Series 1 (N9) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1887

This chromolithograph, part of the "Flags of All Nations" series, depicts the flag of Belgium. Created in 1887 by Allen & Ginter, a prominent tobacco company, these cards were originally included in cigarette packs, effectively serving as a form of advertising. The vibrant image showcases the Belgian tricolor, red, yellow, and black, rendered in a stylized, almost fluid manner. This card, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the aesthetic of late 19th-century commercial printing and serves as a fascinating glimpse into the history of advertising and early Americana.