Mississippi, from Flags of the States and Territories (N11) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century American advertising with *Mississippi, from Flags of the States and TerritoriesN11)*, a diminutive yet striking commercial color lithograph by Allen & Ginter 1888. This tiny card (just 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches) proudly displays the state flag of Mississippi, capturing the era's swelling patriotism during the Gilded Age. Allen & Ginter, pioneering tobacco magnates, issued these cards as inserts in their cigarette packs to entice collectors and boost sales, transforming everyday smoking into a gateway for national pride. Crafted via chromolithography—a revolutionary technique that layered vibrant colors through multiple lithographic stones—this ephemera exemplifies mass-produced artistry at its finest. The bold hues and precise details reflect the commercial prowess of the time, blending fine printing with populist appeal. Part of the N11 series, it joined dozens of similar cards honoring all U.S. states and territories, fostering a collecting craze among Americans eager to assemble a patriotic mosaic. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this card highlights ephemera's enduring value. What began as disposable promotion now offers a window into cultural identity, advertising innovation, and the democratized beauty of printmaking—reminding us how small artifacts can wave large in history.

About the Artist

Allen & Ginter

Allen & Ginter, the pioneering American tobacco firm based in Richmond, Virginia, emerged around 1880 from the partnership of John F. Allen and Lewis Ginter, evolving from Allen's earlier John F. Allen & Company. Allen retired in 1882, succeeded by John Pope, yet the brand endured under Ginter's leadership, employing over 1,100 workers—mostly women—for hand-rolled cigarettes by 1886. Ginter, a Dut...