Plate 38, from the Fans of the Period series (N7) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Victorian collectibles with *Plate 38* from the *Fans of the Period* series (7), a delightful 1889 commercial color lithograph produced by Allen Ginter in collaboration with Schumacher & Ettlinger. This tiny gem, measuring just 2¾ × 1½ inches, captures the elegance of a fashionable fan wielded by women of the era—a quintessential accessory symbolizing grace, flirtation, and poise during the late 19th century. & Ginter, pioneering tobacco magnates, popularized these insert cards as promotional inserts in cigarette packs, sparking a collecting craze that educated and entertained the public on diverse themes from sports to fashion. Printed via chromolithography—a revolutionary technique layering vibrant colors from multiple lithographic stones—this ephemera exemplifies mass-produced artistry, blending commercial savvy with exquisite detail. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, it offers a window into Gilded Age consumer culture and women's adornments. Though ephemeral by design, such cards hold lasting historical value, preserving snapshots of period style and the intersection of advertising, art, and everyday life. Imagine flipping through a cigarette pack to uncover this charming tableau!

About the Artist

Allen & Ginter|Schumacher & Ettlinger

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...