King of Servia, from World's Sovereigns series (N34) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This small chromolithograph of the King of Servia was printed by Allen & Ginter of Richmond, Virginia, as part of a series of cigarette cards called "World's Sovereigns." These images, collected by everyday people, reveal much about late nineteenth-century America’s fascination with foreign royalty and nascent global power. This example offers a romanticized and stylized portrait of the King, emphasizing his regalia and military bearing. The ornate details, including his decorated uniform and feathered hat, signify power and authority, appealing to an American audience eager to connect with European aristocracy through consumer culture. The Allen & Ginter company was innovative in its marketing strategies, using these cards to boost cigarette sales while simultaneously educating and entertaining consumers. By studying such cards, historians can explore the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and imperial ambition in the United States during this period. Further research into advertising ephemera and business records can shed light on how companies like Allen & Ginter shaped public perceptions of the world.