Edward Low, Torturing a Yankee, from the Pirates of the Spanish Main series (N19) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1886 - 1891

This small chromolithograph, made by Allen & Ginter, was originally included in packs of cigarettes. This was a popular advertising method in the late 19th century. The printing process is crucial to understanding this image. Chromolithography allowed for mass production of colorful images. This was achieved by using multiple limestone printing plates, each inked with a different color. The final print is a composite of these layers, allowing for a vibrant and detailed image. The subject matter is not high art, but it is culturally significant. It depicts a sensationalist scene of piracy, likely intended to entertain and titillate consumers. However, the image also speaks to the dark side of capitalism, specifically the exploitation of labor and the glorification of violence for profit. The amount of work involved in producing these cards was significant, from the artists creating the images to the factory workers printing and packaging them, and their very existence points to a vast industry fueled by consumption. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society.