Luiz I, King of Portugal, from the Rulers, Flags, and Coats of Arms series (N126-2) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. 1888

This small chromolithograph of Luiz I, King of Portugal, was printed by W. Duke, Sons & Co. as part of a series of cigarette cards, around the turn of the 20th century. These cards reflect a time of intense imperial expansion and burgeoning nationalism. The late 19th century saw European powers, including Portugal, vying for control over territories in Africa and Asia. Cigarette cards like these, depicting national symbols such as rulers and coats of arms, played a role in shaping public perceptions and reinforcing national identities. They offered a romanticized view of power, obscuring the often brutal realities of colonialism and the complex social hierarchies within Portugal itself. They offer a glimpse into how consumer culture was intertwined with the construction of national and imperial identities. These objects were designed to evoke a sense of pride and belonging, yet they also served to normalize and perpetuate the unequal power dynamics of the time. They are charged with the emotional weight of an era defined by both progress and oppression.