Caricatured Figure (with pipe) from the Girls and Children series (N64) promoting Virginia Brights Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products 1886

This small promotional card titled "Caricatured Figure (with pipe)" was made by Allen & Ginter to advertise Virginia Brights Cigarettes. The figure sits in a chair, pipe in hand, adorned with a colorful, patterned garment and ornate jewelry. The composition uses a flat picture plane typical of trading cards. However, the caricature relies on stereotypical imagery, revealing the underlying ideology of colonialism. This juxtaposition of vibrant color with the problematic depiction challenges established meanings, prompting us to consider the cultural codes at play. The figure's costume and accoutrements, while appearing decorative, function as signs that can be interpreted through a semiotic lens. Ultimately, the card functions not just as a commercial object but also as a cultural artifact. This prompts critical engagement with the historical context and the power dynamics embedded within its visual language. The figure's pose and attire become symbols of both cultural exchange and the imposition of colonial narratives.