Yorktown, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This is 'Yorktown, U.S.N.', a collectible card made by Allen & Ginter, featuring a photograph of a naval ship. These cards were printed using photolithography, a technique that allowed for mass production of images. What I find compelling is the relationship between the subject matter – a symbol of American power – and its means of dissemination. These cards were included in packs of Virginia Brights Cigarettes, a commercial technique to encourage collecting and brand loyalty. The material influence on the appearance of the photograph is the sepia tone and small size, due to the printing process. Consider that the industrial revolution and advancements in printing technologies enabled the mass production of both cigarettes and these collectible cards. This convergence of industry, marketing, and consumer culture reflects a specific moment in history, one in which everyday objects like cigarette cards became vehicles for promoting national pride and consumerism. These cards challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft by showing how an image can be both a collectable and a token of a wider political economy.